You Created a Will—Now Make Sure It Can Be Found When Your Family Needs It
Creating a will or comprehensive estate plan is a major accomplishment. However, according to Senior Counsel Rudy Beck of Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning & Elder Law, LLC, signing your documents is only part of the process. Properly storing and safeguarding your estate planning documents is equally important.
A recent USA Today article, “You Made a Will—Now What? Storing It Properly Is Just as Important,” highlights a common problem: many people create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other important documents, only to store them in locations that family members may not be able to access when needed.
As an estate planning attorney in Missouri, we frequently meet families who are uncertain where a loved one’s original documents are located. Even the most carefully drafted estate plan can create challenges if documents cannot be found or are outdated.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Less than one-third of Americans have a will. Unfortunately, some people who have completed their estate planning fail to maintain their documents or communicate where they are stored.
When a will cannot be located after death, significant complications may arise. Family members may need to petition the probate court, disputes can occur among heirs, and the administration of the estate can become more costly and time-consuming. Documents that have not been updated for many years may also fail to reflect current wishes, family circumstances, or changes in the law.
Estate planning is not complete until your loved ones know where to find your documents and how to access them.
Safe Storage Options for Estate Planning Documents
Fireproof and Waterproof Home Safes
Many Missouri families choose to store original estate planning documents in a fireproof and waterproof safe at home. This can be an excellent option, provided that trusted individuals know the safe’s location and can access it when necessary.
Your spouse, successor trustee, executor, or other trusted family members should know where the documents are stored and how to obtain them in an emergency.
Some individuals even store original documents in sealed containers inside a freezer for additional protection. While unconventional, this approach can work if documents are properly protected from moisture and family members know where to find them.
Digital Vaults and Secure Online Storage
For those comfortable with technology, digital vaults have become increasingly popular. These encrypted, cloud-based platforms allow users to store copies of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, financial records, passwords, insurance information, and other important documents in one secure location.
Digital vaults offer several advantages:
- Secure storage with encryption and authentication protections
- Access for authorized family members regardless of location
- Storage for digital assets and online account information
- Organization of important instructions and final wishes
- Convenient access during emergencies
These tools can be especially valuable when adult children or other family members live outside Missouri or even outside the United States.
Many individuals already have access to a digital vault through a financial advisor, wealth management firm, or financial institution. If so, make sure authorized individuals know how to access the information when needed.
Keep Originals and Share Their Location
While digital copies are useful, original estate planning documents should generally be retained whenever possible. Original wills may be required during the probate process, and having the original document can help avoid unnecessary legal complications.
Equally important is informing key individuals where the documents are stored. An executor or trustee cannot act on documents they cannot locate.
Consider creating a simple written list identifying:
- The location of your original estate planning documents
- Contact information for your estate planning attorney
- Access instructions for any digital vaults or secure storage systems
- Locations of important financial and insurance records
Review Your Estate Plan Regularly
Estate planning is not a one-time event. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, changes in financial circumstances, and changes in Missouri law can all affect your estate plan.
Review your estate planning documents periodically with an experienced estate planning attorney in Missouri to ensure they continue to accomplish your goals and reflect your current wishes.
The peace of mind that comes from estate planning is not simply knowing the documents exist. It comes from knowing they are current, secure, and accessible when your family needs them most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I store my original will in Missouri?
A fireproof and waterproof home safe is often a practical option. The most important consideration is ensuring that trusted individuals know where the original will is located and how to access it when needed.
Can I store my will electronically?
You can store digital copies of your will and other estate planning documents in a secure digital vault. However, you should generally keep the original signed documents as well, since original wills may be required during probate proceedings.
Who should know where my estate planning documents are located?
Your spouse, executor, successor trustee, adult children, or other trusted individuals should know where your documents are stored. They should also know how to access any safes or digital storage platforms.
How often should I review my estate plan?
Most estate planning attorneys recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years, or sooner after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, retirement, or major changes in assets.
Protect Your Estate Plan by Making It Accessible
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. However, even the best estate plan may fail to achieve its intended goals if documents cannot be located when they are needed. Proper storage, regular reviews, and clear communication with trusted family members help ensure your wishes are carried out and reduce stress for loved ones during difficult times.
Contact Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning & Elder Law, LLC for all of your estate planning needs by booking a call: https://beckelderlaw.essworkshop.com/book-a-call/
Reference: USA Today (Aug. 15, 2025) “You Made a Will—Now What? Storing It Properly Is Just as Important”