Storage of Documents

If you don't store your Will securely it could be destroyed either by accident or deliberately. In this case, on your death you will have died intestate.

The following are true stories (with name changes):

Janet and John had two adult children, James and Julie. They were in touch with both children but had informed relatives that they had disinherited James because he had fallen in with a bad lot and had spent time in prison. Their Will, they informed relatives, was stored in the bureau at home. Janet and John died within 48 hours of each other. In the ensuing confusion whilst relatives met at the deceaseds' home to arrange the funerals, James was seen rifling through papers. The Will was never found and both children therefore inherited an equal share of their parents' estate.

Mrs. Smith died leaving only a son, Richard. Richard knew his mother had left a Will but it could not be found. His mother was therefore deemed to have died intestate. Richard inherited everything under the intestacy laws, but it took two years to get Probate because the Will remained unlocated. During this time he was unable to sell her property, several hundred miles from where he lived. His mother's solicitor had retired and had developed dementia. Several years later the solicitor died and a pile of Wills was found in the loft of his home! Too late for Richard and a nephew who had been left a monetary bequest in the Will.

IS YOUR BANK DEPOSIT SAFE SECURE?

The answer is most definitely "YES." However only the owner of that deposit box can access the safe and in order for a relative to do so after a person has died, they need a Grant of Probate, which they can't get without the Will. CATCH 22!


Make sure you store your Wills and documents securely Click here to read more