You've taken the critical step of creating your estate plan—but if no one can find your original will, trust, or power of attorney, it may be as if you never planned at all.

In this guide, we answer one of the most common estate planning questions: “Where should I keep my original estate planning documents?”

1. Safe Deposit Box: A Common but Complicated Choice

Storing documents in a bank safe deposit box may seem secure—but access can become an issue:

🚫 If only you signed the lease and you become incapacitated or pass away, even your spouse or children may need a court order to access the box.

✅ Tip: You may be able to name your revocable living trust as a co-lessee, giving your successor trustee legal access when needed.

🔑 Don't forget: Your loved ones will need to know which bank, which branch, and where the key is located.

2. Home Safe: Secure—If You Do It Right

A fireproof and waterproof home safe bolted to the floor can be a great option—as long as someone trustworthy has:

• The combination

• Instructions on how to access it if you're incapacitated or pass away

Avoid safes that are easily movable or require codes/passwords that no one else knows.

3. With Your Estate Planning Attorney

Some attorneys used to store original documents—but this practice is fading. Why?

• Attorneys may retire, pass away, or switch firms

• Your loved ones may not know who your attorney was or where to find them

Before choosing this option, ensure your documents will be retrievable long-term and without delay.

4. With Your Corporate Trustee or Bank

If you've named a corporate trustee or bank as your executor or successor trustee, ask if they offer document storage. This is often a highly secure, trackable option.

Ensure your family knows:

• Who the corporate trustee is

• How to access your documents when needed

5. Wherever You Store Them—Tell Someone

No matter where you store your estate planning documents:

✅ Tell at least one trusted person (and ideally more) where they are
✅ Consider leaving written instructions or a secure digital record
✅ Update your estate plan as needed and revisit the storage strategy regularly

If your original documents cannot be found, state law may presume you destroyed them intentionally—even if that wasn't your intent.

Protect Your Plan—Even After It's Written

Your estate plan is only effective if it can be executed. Ensuring your original documents are stored properly and accessible is the final step in protecting your legacy.

At The Robinson Advocacy Group, we can help you create, update, or safeguard your estate planning documents with the precision and care your family deserves.