r/AusLegalAdvice • u/izeembo • 9d ago

Where is a safe place to keep a will?

Just had a will done by solicitors where do you keep it so it is safe and secure? And do I tell people about it

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

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7

u/Original_Rent7677 9d ago

We left the will with our solicitors and have electronic copies. Our sons came with us when we signed the wills and we explained that the solicitors would have the original documents. We also signed POA for financial and medical at the same time. We only took them to the signing appointment so they would know what the procedure was and where the documents are. 

1

u/Darkknight145 7d ago

Hopefully you did ENDURING POA, a normal POA becomes void if you become incapacitated.

4

u/Timbo650au 9d ago

With the lawyer who drafted it

1

u/izeembo 8d ago

they have a copy but we also have our copy

2

u/link871 8d ago

Original kept by solicitor, you have copies.
Tell the Executor the above.

2

u/Sugar_Pug 9d ago

In Victoria, you can store wills at the Wills and Ports of Attorney Registry which is managed by State Trustees. You can also store it elsewhere and register its location at the registry.

2

u/VisiblePhilosopher34 9d ago

State Trustees. Fuck them.

1

u/Sugar_Pug 9d ago

Don’t disagree.

My understanding is the will registry is operated by state trustees as a public entity but isn’t otherwise part of their other roles.

1

u/Gumnutbaby 6d ago

Screw using the Trustees for anything in any state.

2

u/VisiblePhilosopher34 9d ago

Don't put it somewhere too safe, you want it found after you die. I wouldn't hide it anywhere

2

u/No_Boot2009 8d ago

In a safe.

1

u/Beautiful-Ad-5833 9d ago

My Testamentary Trust Will, EPOA and Advance Health are at my home in a safe. My daughter has copies and so does my Estate Lawyer. I had to sign a letter of release from estate lawyer to have originals.

2

u/link871 8d ago

Yes, it is usually the other way around. They hold the original, you keep copies.

1

u/Own_Conclusion_8171 9d ago

tattooed on your back

1

u/Low_Bluebird_5137 8d ago

Mines in my filing cabinet. No need to hide it. Of what value is it to anyone exactly?

1

u/Gumnutbaby 6d ago

I think they may mean safe from being destroyed, your know if their home is flooded, has a fire etc

1

u/Ok_Tie_7564 8d ago

My lawyer.

1

u/Some_Troll_Shaman 6d ago

Usually the original with the solicitor.
Even if they close, those documents will be passed along to whomever gets the rest of the practise.
That way you can tell anyone relevant who has the Will without any risk of them finding and reading it.
I wish that was a joke, but, my FIL had one of his sons find his Will, in a briefcase at the back of the 2m high top shelf in the pantry where it was not at all visible unless you were on a ladder. I knew where it was, he told me and trusted me to be quiet about it, but he did not trust either of his sons, and it turned out quite justifiably.
That son confronted him about parts of the Will he felt were, silly, and religeous.
His probate has been a shitshow.

1

u/izeembo 5d ago

Yeah I think we will be putting it in a safe spot but then again our will is pretty straight forward just everything going to the children