Safe Storage for Your Estate Planning Documents. Why it matters.

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have devastated countless homes, destroying not only personal belongings but also critical legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. These losses underscore the importance of securely storing estate planning documents to protect your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored.

Why Secure Storage Matters

In California, original estate planning documents are often required to execute your wishes legally. For instance, a will must be the original, signed version to be admitted to probate. If the original is lost, courts may presume it was intentionally revoked, leading to unintended distributions under intestacy laws.

Best Practices for Storing Estate Planning Documents

1. Fireproof and Waterproof Home Safe

Invest in a high-quality safe rated to withstand extreme temperatures and water damage. Ensure it's bolted down to prevent theft and that trusted individuals know its location and access code.

2. Safe Deposit Box

While bank safe deposit boxes offer security, access can be problematic if you're incapacitated or deceased. Ensure that your executor or trustee has legal access to the box to avoid delays.

3. Digital Backups

Scan and store copies of your documents in secure cloud storage services. While digital copies may not replace originals, they can aid in reconstructing lost documents.

4. Attorney or Fiduciary Storage

Some attorneys and professional fiduciaries offer secure storage for original documents. Ensure you and your trusted contacts know how to access these documents when needed.

Replacing Lost Documents After a Disaster

If your estate planning documents are lost due to a disaster:

• Notify Your Attorney: They may have copies or can assist in recreating documents.

• Gather Digital Copies: Use any available digital backups to reconstruct your estate plan.

• Update Your Plan: Take this opportunity to review and update your estate plan to reflect any changes in your circumstances or wishes.

  
  

✅ Final Thoughts

Protecting your estate planning documents is crucial, especially in disaster-prone areas like California. By implementing secure storage solutions and maintaining backups, you can ensure your legacy is preserved and your wishes are honored, even in the face of unforeseen events.

For assistance in creating or updating your estate plan, contact our office at (626) 460-1763 or email LV@MoravecsLaw.com. Our experienced team is here to help you safeguard your legacy.

Contact the top-rated California trust and probate attorneys Moravec, Varga & Mooney today to schedule a telephonic consultation. Have questions? call (626) 460-1763 or email LV@MoravecsLaw.com.

Southern California Probate Lawyer Serving all counties in California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Santa Cruz & Beyond.