what are the best ways to store a will?
solicitors
if a solicitor has written a will, they will normally be able to store the original; this is generally part of their will writing package, although it is worth checking if storage involves an additional fee. diy wills (eg the one provided by 2022世界杯32强抽签时间 ) can also be stored by a solicitor, but this will normally incur a fee.
will writing services
there are various companies offering will creation services (eg co-op and trust inheritance) which additionally provide storage facilities. but unlike solicitors, will writing services are not all regulated, so it is important to keep a backup copy just in case.
probate service
in england and wales, wills can be stored with the probate service for a one-off fee of £20. this is a formal process that requires a form to be submitted at a regional probate registry; alternatively, it can be sent by post using a safe custody envelope pack. any changes to a will also need to be submitted to the probate service via a codicil. see form pa7 for further information.
banks
some banks offer will writing and storage services. however, wills stored in a bank should be accessible to executors (ie safety deposit boxes are generally not suitable - see below). banks in scotland may charge an annual fee for this.
keep it yourself
this is the cheapest and easiest solution - but it's also the riskiest. if storing a will at home, make sure the location is secure and known to executors.
where should you not store a will?
as a general rule, wills should not be stored in bank safety deposit boxes; these will not normally be accessible to executors until probate has been granted and probate cannot be granted until the will has been obtained.
similarly, any home-based safes or locked locations should be accessible to executors.
what should you bear in mind when storing your will?
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it is vital that your executor knows where your will is and how to retrieve it.
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precautions should be taken against physical damage to the will (eg from fire or flooding damage).
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consider registering your will with the national will register - this ensures that its existence and location is recorded so that executors and other relevant parties are able to find it.
