Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are followed when you pass away. But once it’s signed and witnessed — what next?
Storing your will safely is just as important as writing one. If the original document is lost, damaged, or inaccessible when needed, your final wishes could be delayed or even go unfulfilled. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about storing a will securely in the UK — and the pros and cons of each option.
- Why Storing a Will Properly Matters
- 1. Keeping a Will at Home: Is It Safe?
- 2. Storing a Will with a Legal Expert
- 3. Registering a Will with the Probate Service
- 4. Will Storage and Registration Services
- 5. Telling Your Executors and Loved Ones
- What Happens If the Original Will Is Lost?
- Myth-Busting: Storing a Will with the Bank?
- Real-Life Example: The Case of the Disputed Copy
- FAQs: Common Questions About Will Storage
- Final Thoughts: Your Will Is Only as Strong as Its Storage
Why Storing a Will Properly Matters
A will only becomes legally effective when it’s presented in its original, physical form after death. Copies alone won’t do. If the original will is lost or destroyed, it may be presumed that you intended to revoke it — even if that wasn’t the case.
That’s why safe storage is essential. You need to make sure:
- The document is protected from fire, flood, or damage
- It can be easily located when needed
- It hasn’t been tampered with or altered
- The executors know where it’s kept
1. Keeping a Will at Home: Is It Safe?
Some people choose to store their will at home in a drawer, filing cabinet, or safe. While this may seem convenient, it comes with serious risks.
Pros:
- Free and accessible
- Can keep it with other important documents
Cons:
- At risk of being lost in a move, fire, or flood
- Could be tampered with or accidentally discarded
- May be overlooked by executors
If you choose to keep a will at home, store it in a waterproof, fireproof document box and inform your executors where to find it. It’s also wise to provide them with a copy.
2. Storing a Will with a Legal Expert
One of the safest and most common options is to have your will stored with the legal experts who helped write it — or another legal professional you trust.
Pros:
- Secure and professionally managed
- Less risk of tampering or damage
- Executors can request it when needed
Cons:
- May be difficult to access if the solicitor retires or the firm closes
- Not all solicitors offer long-term storage for free
At Town & Country Law, we offer secure, long-term storage options as part of our Will Writing service. This provides peace of mind that your document is protected and accessible when it matters most.
3. Registering a Will with the Probate Service
In England and Wales, you can deposit a will with the Probate Service for a one-off fee of £20. The will is then stored at the Principal Registry of the Family Division.
Pros:
- Secure government-backed storage
- Executors can easily retrieve it after death
Cons:
- You must notify the Probate Service if you make a new will
- Doesn’t include registration — it’s just physical storage
To deposit a will, complete form PA7A and send it with the document to the HMCTS office. More info is available on GOV.UK.
4. Will Storage and Registration Services
Several private companies offer will storage services, sometimes bundled with will registration. Registration means your will is indexed so it can be easily found in future.
The National Will Register
This is the UK’s largest will registration service. While it doesn’t store your will physically, it records the location and details, so your executors can find it even if they’re unsure where it’s kept.
Pros:
- Executors can locate the will even if they weren’t told where it was
- Useful in complex family situations
Cons:
- Annual or one-off fees may apply
- Does not include secure physical storage unless combined with another provider
At Town & Country Law, we can advise clients on registration options and include them in our estate planning packages.
5. Telling Your Executors and Loved Ones
Regardless of where you store your will, make sure your executors know:
- That a will exists
- Where the original is kept
- Who to contact to retrieve it
A will that can’t be found is no better than no will at all. Keep a record of your storage arrangements and include backup instructions if needed.
What Happens If the Original Will Is Lost?
If the original document can’t be found after death, the probate court may assume you revoked it — even if that wasn’t your intention.
A copy may be accepted, but only under strict conditions. The person applying for probate must prove the original existed, wasn’t destroyed deliberately, and that the copy matches the original. This can cause costly delays and family disputes.
👉 Read: What Happens If a Will Is Lost or Destroyed?
Myth-Busting: Storing a Will with the Bank?
It used to be common to keep wills in bank safe deposit boxes. But today, many banks no longer offer this service — and there’s a catch.
If the only copy of your will is locked in a box, your executors may not be able to access it without probate — but they can’t apply for probate without the will. A frustrating Catch-22!
Best practice? Keep your will in a solicitor-backed or registered system — not locked away without easy access.
Real-Life Example: The Case of the Disputed Copy
Sarah’s father made a will in 2017 but kept it in a drawer at home. After his death, the original couldn’t be found — only a photocopy. Sarah applied for probate using the copy, but her brother contested it, claiming their father had changed his mind and revoked the will.
The court ruled that the original must have been destroyed with the intention to revoke. Sarah’s father died “intestate,” and his estate was divided equally, contrary to his written wishes.
💡 Moral of the story: protect the original and let trusted people know where it is.
FAQs: Common Questions About Will Storage
Where is the best place to store a will in the UK?
With your legal professionals or a legal storage service is usually the safest option. Home storage is riskier but can be managed with proper precautions.
Do you have to register a will in the UK?
No, will registration is optional — but it helps executors locate the document after death.
Can I store my will with the Probate Registry?
Yes, you can deposit it with HMCTS for a one-off £20 fee.
Who should have a copy of my will?
Your executors, solicitor, or trusted family members can hold copies. But the original is what’s needed for probate.
What if my solicitor closes down?
Legal firms are required to transfer client wills to a successor firm. Make sure you receive updates.
Final Thoughts: Your Will Is Only as Strong as Its Storage
Don’t let a poorly stored will undo the careful planning you’ve put in place. At Town & Country Law, we make it easy to write, store, and register your will with confidence.
👉 Explore Our Will Writing Services
👉 Contact Us for Secure Will Storage