This comes up more than you’d think. A loved one passes away, and someone says, “the will is safe – it’s in the banks deposit box.”
It sounds like the right idea at first. The document’s secure. It hasn’t gone missing. But there’s a real issue here: what is no else has access to that box?
Banks don’t just hand over the contents because someone says there’s a will inside. If your name isn’t on the account – or you don’t have the right legal authority – you’re stuck. Getting access might mean court papers, a judge’s approval, and more waiting. That can slow everything down at a time when people are already dealing with enough.
It’s a good reminder: storing a will isn’t just about safety. It’s also about accessibility. If the people who need it can’t get to it, it doesn’t do much good.
Here’s the kind of thing we recommend in these situations. Keep the will somewhere secure, yes – but also somewhere someone trusted knows how to reach. That might be a fireproof safe, a locked filing cabinet, or even stored with your attorney. Just make sure it’s not out of reach when it’s needed most.
Also, talk about it. You don’t have to share every detail, but someone should know where the important documents are: the will, powers of attorney, health directives, and anything else your family might need in an emergency.
Because the truth is, a small thing – like a locked box – can cause a big delay. And most of the time, it’s completely preventable.
If you’re unsure how your documents are set up, or whether your current plan still works, we’re always here to walk through it with you.
