Once my estate plan is done, what do I do with my documents to ensure safe keeping?
Its important to store your legal documents I a safe place where your representatives can find them.
Many clients have asked how to care for their estate planning documents once they are completed, I suggest the following:
1. Originals. The originals are very important. They should remain in your care and control, and neither I nor anyone else should be entrusted with them. Your original signed will should be kept in a safe place, preferably in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Your original powers of attorney can be kept in your reference notebook. In addition, any old/former documents—including any copies—should be destroyed. Many clients ask whether copies of former estate planning documents should be retained “just in case.” The answer is no. All such documents should be destroyed to avoid any confusion as to their validity. Use your best judgment in storing and protecting these documents.
2. Reference Set. If I did your estate plan, you have been provided with a reference set of your documents in your binder. These are yours to be read and to which you may refer with any questions or concerns. The unsigned copy of your will in this binder is not to be signed or presented as a valid document—you have only one valid, executed will. If you decide to provide anyone with a copy of your will, be sure to copy the unsigned, reference will and not the original, signed will. With the quality of today’s copiers, I do not wish to be presented with a document purporting to be an original and have any questions as to whether or not it is the original or a copy.
3. Copies for Agent. You should provide your agents with copies of your executed Powers of Attorney, both General and Medical. This will enable them to have the documents and act upon them without the necessity of obtaining copies once a disability or other unfortunate circumstance occurs.
4. Copies for Physicians. You should also provide your physicians with copies of your executed Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will. They will then be able to keep these important documents in your files so that your agents will not have to search for them in the event of illness or accident.
5. Copies for Home. For clients living alone, especially aged clients, I recommend that copies of your Medical Powers and Living Will be kept in a readily accessible location such as your refrigerator or freezer in the kitchen, along with a note on the refrigerator door indicating that the documents may be found inside. First responders are taught to check the refrigerator door for important medical and pharmacological information. Finding the Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will along with other such information will make their treatment decisions easier, and better insure that your dignity is protected.
© 2012 Tanya Shimer All Rights Reserved.
