Should You Use an Estate Planning Document Storage Company?

When it comes to estate planning, creating a will or trust is only half the battle. The other half? Making sure those documents are safely stored and accessible when your loved ones need them most. In California, where probate laws require original documents for certain proceedings, the question of where and how to store your estate plan becomes a critical part of the planning process.

One option gaining popularity is the use of estate planning storage companies—third-party services that specialize in the secure storage of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents.

What Are Estate Planning Storage Companies?

Estate planning storage companies are businesses designed to protect and preserve legal documents related to your estate plan. These services typically offer:

• Secure physical storage of original documents

• Digital backup of scanned versions

• Access control, ensuring only authorized individuals can retrieve documents

• Death notification services, which trigger document release upon proof of death

• Annual check-ins or reminders to update your documents

Some companies also integrate with estate planning law firms, offering a seamless experience for clients and their heirs.

Why Use a Storage Company Instead of a Lawyer’s Office or a Safe Deposit Box?

In California probate cases, especially when dealing with a formal probate estate, having quick access to the original willor trust documents can speed up the process significantly. Here’s how storage companies compare to other options:

Storage Option	Pros	Cons
Estate Planning Lawyer’s Office	Often secure, familiar with your plan	May be lost if the lawyer retires or relocates
Home Safe	Immediate access	Fire, theft, or misplacement risk
Bank Safe Deposit Box	Highly secure	May require court order for access
Estate Planning Storage Company	Secure, accessible, often digital backup	Typically charges an annual or one-time fee

Benefits of Using a Storage Company

Here’s why more Californians are turning to professional estate planning storage providers:

• 24/7 Accessibility: Your executor can often access documents online immediately after your death with proper credentials.

• Disaster Protection: Documents are protected from fire, flood, and theft.

• No Delays in Probate: Quick access to originals can help initiate probate proceedings promptly in California Probate Court.

• Executor-Friendly: Some services help guide executors through the process with reminders and next steps.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Storage Provider

Not all storage companies are created equal. If you’re considering this option for your California estate plan, ask:

• Are both physical and digital copies stored?

• Is document access limited to specific individuals?

• What happens if the company goes out of business?

• Does the company notify my attorney or executor upon my death?

• What is the cost structure—flat fee, annual subscription, or per-document?

Popular Estate Planning Storage Providers

Here are a few companies that offer estate planning document storage services:

• Everplans – Digital vault with sharing features for family members and professionals.

• DocuBank – Offers emergency document access, often used with advance directives.

• Trust & Will – Offers online storage for clients who create documents on their platform.

• LegalVault – Provides encrypted document storage and wallet cards for quick access.

Be sure to check if your estate planning attorney partners with a storage company or offers an in-house solution.

Final Thoughts

In a California probate case, time is of the essence—especially when dealing with the probate estate of a loved one. A missing or inaccessible will can cause delays, additional court hearings, or even the denial of the will altogether. Whether you’re planning your estate or acting as an executor, ensuring secure and accessible document storage is key.

A professional estate planning storage company can offer peace of mind, both now and in the future. Just be sure to vet the provider carefully and inform your executor and family where your documents are stored.

Need help deciding where to store your estate plan?

A qualified California estate planning attorney can walk you through the best options for your needs—whether that means using a secure company, a law firm’s vault, or something in between.

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.