Making a Will is an important first step, but your executors also need to find your Will and the information that goes with it. Storing documents with your Will, or keeping a clear record of where they are, can save your family a great deal of time and worry. This guide explains which documents are worth keeping together, and the safe storage options available.
Why storing documents with your Will matters
When someone dies, their executors usually need to apply for a grant of probate before they can deal with the estate. To do this, they must find the original Will, work out what the person owned and owed, and value the estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.
If paperwork is scattered or missing, this can take months of searching, letters and phone calls. However, a well-organised file can make the job much simpler. It is also one of the kindest things you can do for the people you leave behind.
Start with a list of your assets
Before gathering documents, it helps to know what you own. A simple list should cover:
- property, and whether it is owned solely or jointly
- bank and building society accounts
- investments, such as shares and ISAs
- pensions and life insurance
- vehicles and valuable possessions
- digital assets, such as online accounts and cryptocurrency
- debts, such as a mortgage, loans and credit cards
When we take instructions for a Will, Edward talks through your assets with you. This helps make sure your Will reflects what you actually own, including how jointly owned property passes. For advice on tracing lost pensions or accounts, we can refer you to an appropriate professional.
Core documents to store with your Will
These are the documents with your Will that your executors are most likely to need first.
- Your original Will. Executors need the signed original, not a copy, to apply for probate. Never unstaple or attach anything to it, because marks on the Will can raise questions about whether something has been removed.
- A Letter of Wishes. This is not legally binding, but it can explain your reasons and guide your executors or trustees.
- Your birth certificate, and any marriage or civil partnership certificate, or divorce or dissolution papers.
- Your National Insurance number and any tax reference, such as your Unique Taxpayer Reference.
- Any Lasting Powers of Attorney, as these are used during your lifetime.
Your executors will also need copies of the death certificate. These are obtained after death when the death is registered, so there is nothing to store in advance.
Financial documents
Recent statements or a list of accounts can save your executors a great deal of detective work. So consider including:
- bank, building society and investment account details
- pension scheme details, and copies of any expression of wish (nomination) forms
- life insurance policies, and whether any are written in trust
- mortgage, loan and credit agreements
- recent tax returns, if you complete them
- details of any lifetime gifts you have made, as these can matter for Inheritance Tax
Property and vehicle documents
For land and buildings, most titles in England and Wales are registered at HM Land Registry, so the old paper deeds are no longer the main proof of ownership. Even so, keep any deeds you have, along with a note of the title number if you know it. If you are a landlord, include tenancy agreements.
For vehicles, keep the V5C registration certificate (logbook). In addition, if you own a business or shares in a private company, include partnership or shareholder agreements.
Digital assets
Do not write passwords in your Will, because a Will becomes a public document once probate is granted. Instead, keep a secure record of your online accounts, or use a password manager, and leave instructions on how your executors can access it. Also note any valuable digital assets, such as cryptocurrency or domain names, and your wishes for social media accounts.
Personal wishes and contacts
Some other information can be very helpful:
- Funeral wishes, and details of any funeral plan. Funeral plans have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority since 29 July 2022.
- Organ donation. England moved to an opt-out system in May 2020. Record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family, as they will still be consulted.
- Burial plot details, if you have bought one.
- Key contacts, such as your accountant, financial adviser, employer and pension providers.
- A family tree or list of relatives, particularly if your family is large or complicated.
Safe storage options
Once you have gathered the documents with your Will, you need a safe place for them.
- At home. A fire-resistant safe is better than a drawer, but make sure your executors know where it is and how to open it.
- A safety deposit box. These are secure. However, access after a death can take time, because the bank may need to see the Will or the grant of probate first.
- Digital copies. Scanned copies are useful for reference. Still, the original signed Will must be kept on paper, because a copy is not normally accepted for probate.
- Professional storage. A Will writer or other provider can store your original Will securely and release it to your executors.
Storing your Will with A.D.E. Wills
If you would rather not keep the original at home, we can store it for you. Our Safe Will Plan costs £36 a year for one person or £60 a year for a couple, billed annually. It includes fireproof storage of your original Will, a password-protected copy, an annual reminder, a free yearly review, release to your executors and free registration. You also get 10% off other Wills services. You can read more on our Will storage page.
Our Legacy Care Plan costs £10 a month for one person or £18 a month for a couple. It includes everything in the Safe Will Plan, plus one minor update a year and a brand-new Will every three years. It also includes registration on the Certainty National Will Register. The plan is available for Wills written by A.D.E. Wills, and you can read more about the Legacy Care Plan.
Keep your file up to date
Keeping documents with your Will is not a one-off task. Review it every few years, and after events such as marriage, divorce, a birth, moving home or opening new accounts. Also make sure your executors know where you keep the documents with your Will, even if you do not want to share the details yet.
What we do not do
A.D.E. Wills writes Wills and LPAs. We do not deal with probate or estate administration, and we do not give financial or tax advice. When your executors need help with probate, or you need financial advice, we can refer you to an appropriate professional. GOV.UK also has guidance on applying for probate.
Talk to us
If you would like to make a Will or store it safely with us, call 01865 507174 or email info@adewills.co.uk.
