Find out how to store your will safely and make sure your executors can find it after you die, so your instructions can be carried out.
Why storing your will properly matters
Only the original signed version of your will is legally valid.
If your executors cannot find it after you die, it could cause delays, extra costs and stress for the people you care about.
Store it somewhere safe and tell your executors where it is and how they can access it when the time comes.
Consider registering your will with the National Will Register
The National Will Register records where you’ve stored your will, so your executors can find the latest version of your will easily after you’re gone.
This is particularly important if:
- you move house or change solicitors over the years
- you or your executors forgets where you’ve stored your will, or
- the solicitor who drafted it might retire or close their firm.
The National Will Register provides a permanent record. It costs a small one-off fee and means your will can be found when needed.
You can register a will for yourself or someone elseOpens in a new window on the National Will Register
Safe places to store your will
At home
You can keep your will at home with your other important documents. For example, in a fireproof safe or a secure filing cabinet.
This is free but is riskier because your will could be damaged, lost, accidentally thrown away or destroyed in a fire or flood.
If you choose this option, make sure your executors know exactly where to find it and how to access it.
With the Probate Service in England, Scotland and Wales
In England and Wales, the government will store your will for £23. You might be able to get help with the fee if you receive benefits or are on a low income.
If you store your will with the Probate Service, it's kept securely until you die.
After you die, your executors can collect it. They'll need to:
- apply to the Probate Registry with the death certificate
- pay a small fee to retrieve the will
- prove they are named as executors in the will.
Find out more about storing your will with the Probate ServiceOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
In Scotland, you can store your will with the Register of Deeds for £20. Find out more about storing your will with the Register of DeedsOpens in a new window
With a solicitor
Most solicitors can store your will for free if they prepared it for you. If they did not write your will, they might charge a storage fee.
Ask about their insurance cover for lost or damaged wills. If the firm closes and they’re based in England or Wales, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)Opens in a new window can help you locate your will.
With your bank
Some banks offer will storage as part of their will-writing service.
If the bank helps you write your will, they might store it for free, either with them directly or with a solicitor they use.
Important
Never store your will in a safety deposit box. When you die, the bank cannot open the box until your executor gets a grant of probate (the legal authority to deal with your estate). But your executor needs your will to apply for probate in the first place.
With a will-writing service
Many will-writing companies offer storage as part of their service. This might be free or involve a one-off payment or annual fee.
Check their terms and conditions carefully to find out what happens if the company stops trading or your will gets lost.
Tell your executor where your will is stored
Write down where you've stored your will and give this information to your executor.
Include specific details like the name and address of the solicitor or storage company, and any reference numbers.
Avoid telling them in person as they might forget, especially if many years pass.
Consider giving a copy of this information to a trusted family member as a backup.
Keep your will up to date
It’s important to review your will every couple of years and update it if your circumstances change, such as:
- getting married, entering a civil partnership or getting divorced (marriage automatically cancels any previous will)
- separate from your partner (if unmarried)
- having children or grandchildren
- buying or selling a property
- a significant change in your finances
- an executor or beneficiary (a person named in your will) dies
- your relationship with a beneficiary changes.
Never attach anything to your will with staples, paperclips or pins. This can raise questions about whether pages have been removed or replaced, potentially invalidating your will.
For minor changes, such as switching executors or updating an address, you can add a codicil – a legal document that amends your existing will.
For major changes, it's better to write a completely new will and destroy the old one properly.
