Your Will is one of the most important documents you own, so storing it safely is crucial. If your Will can't be found after your death, it's as if it doesn't exist — and your estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules.
There are several storage options available in 2026. The National Will Register allows you to register the existence and location of your Will. This makes it easier for executors to find after your death.
Professional storage with your Will writer or solicitor is a popular option. At Castle Family Legal, we offer secure Will storage services, ensuring your original Will is kept in a fireproof, secure environment.
The Principal Probate Registry will store Wills for a fee of £25. This guarantees security and permanence, and your executors can retrieve the Will when needed.
Storing your Will at home is possible but comes with risks. Fire, flood, theft, or simply being unable to find it are all potential problems. If you do keep it at home, use a fireproof safe and tell your executors exactly where it is.
Never store your original Will in a bank safe deposit box. Access to the box after death can be difficult and may require probate — creating a catch-22 situation.
Whichever storage method you choose, make sure your executors know where the Will is stored and how to access it. A Will that can't be found is a Will that can't be followed.
Contact Castle Family Legal for advice on Will storage and to ensure your documents are properly secured.
