Why Storing Your Will Safely Is Just as Important as Writing It

Anna Kmiec
Jul 10, 2023
2 min read

Updated: May 15

Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are followed after your death. But once your Will is written, signed, and witnessed, what you do with it next is equally vital.

Many people don’t realise that only the original version of your Will is legally binding.

Photocopies, scanned documents, or digital versions are not valid in the eyes of the law — they lack the original, ‘wet ink’ signature required for legal recognition.

So, what happens if the original is lost, damaged, or simply can’t be found? The short answer: your wishes may be ignored, and your estate may be distributed according to the rules of intestacy instead.

At Citywide Wills, we offer a National Will Safe Document Storage service through a secure and professional storage facility

What Happens If Your Will Is Lost or Damaged?

There is no legal requirement for where you must store your Will — but some places are far more secure than others.

Storing your Will at home in a drawer or filing cabinet might seem convenient, but it comes with serious risks:

Fire or flood can destroy documents permanently
Burglary or accidental disposal can result in loss
Damage (e.g. water stains, rips, burns) may make the Will legally questionable
If your executors can’t find the Will, the court may treat your estate as if no Will exists at all

In any of these situations, your family could be left facing delays, legal complications, or outcomes you never intended.

Where Should You Store Your Will?

Here are the main options for secure Will storage in the UK:

The Probate Service (HMCTS)

You can store your Will with the government's Probate Service for a small one-time fee. It's a safe option, though access is only granted after your death and the process can sometimes take time.

Your Solicitor or Will Writer

Most solicitors and professional Will writers offer secure Will storage — sometimes at no cost, or for a modest fee. This ensures the Will is easily accessible and stored in a fireproof, secure facility.

Your Bank

Some banks also provide safe custody services, though fees and terms can vary. It’s worth checking if they offer this and what access arrangements are in place.

Citywide Wills – National Will Safe Document Storage

At Citywide Wills, we offer a National Will Safe Document Storage service through a secure and professional storage facility. Benefits include:

Nationally recognised, fire- and flood-proof Will storage
Your Will is easily retrievable when needed
We understand the content of your Will
We provide FREE probate guidance and advice to your executors
Peace of mind for you and your family

Final Thoughts

It’s not enough just to write a Will — it must be stored securely, safely, and accessibly. A lost or damaged Will can mean your final wishes go unheard, leading to stress and confusion for your family.

At Citywide Wills, we make storing your Will safely simple and secure. With our National Will Safe Document Storage, your Will is protected and your loved ones know exactly where to find it when the time comes.