Do you know where your original will is? Does your executor know where it is? Is it easily accessible?

You can save your beneficiaries significant additional expense and delay if you ensure your original will is easily accessible and eliminate the risk it cannot be found when your executor comes looking for it, leading to a legal presumption you destroyed it on purpose to revoke it.

One issue is easy accessibility. The original will is the starting point for the probate process. Search my column archives for a series of columns with do-it-yourself instructions about the process. If you have difficulty, let me know and I’ll help you find them.

Leaving your will with the lawyer who prepared it doesn’t guarantee easy accessibility. He or she might have changed law firms, taking your will with them. She might have retired or died. The law firm may no longer exist.

Maybe your mind is at ease on this point because the lawyer has systems in place, reaching out to you annually to ensure they have your current address and contact information........

© Castanet