Where Should I Keep My Will?

Summary

When planning your estate, choosing where to keep your will is crucial. Options include storing it in a secure safe box at home, registering it as a secret will with the District or Amphur office, or entrusting a copy to your designated estate administrator. Avoid keeping your will with a lawyer due to potential office moves and high fees. A layered approach—using multiple storage methods—ensures that your will remains safe, accessible, and can be found when needed. Discuss your storage strategy with your estate planning advisor to guarantee that your final wishes are protected and carried out smoothly.

One of the most important questions in estate planning is where to keep your will. After spending time drafting your final wishes, you need to ensure that your will is stored securely and is easily accessible when needed. Here are several practical options to consider:

First, consider keeping your will in a safe box at home. A secure safe box provides protection from fire, theft, or loss. Make sure that only trusted family members or your appointed estate administrator know the safe box’s location and the combination. This method allows you to maintain control over your document while ensuring it remains safe until the time comes to be opened.

Another option is to store your will with the District or Amphur office. In Thailand, some local offices offer a service to register your will as a “secret will.” This means your will is kept in a secure, government-approved location and can be retrieved when needed. This option not only ensures the security of your will but also makes it easier for your loved ones to locate it in the event of your passing. It acts as a backup if your personal safe box is inaccessible for any reason.

You might also consider keeping your will with your future estate administrator. If you have already designated someone to handle your estate, giving them a copy of your will or instructing them on its whereabouts can be very helpful. The estate administrator will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, so having the document in their custody ensures that it is easily accessible when the time comes. However, be sure that the appointed administrator is someone you trust completely and who understands the responsibilities of the role.

One method you should generally avoid is keeping your will with your lawyer. While it might seem convenient, lawyers may move offices or change firms, and their storage arrangements may come with high legal fees. This could lead to delays or even difficulties in retrieving your will. Since the primary purpose of a will is to ensure your final wishes are carried out without complication, it is best to choose a storage method that minimizes risks and extra costs.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to where you should keep your will. It ultimately depends on your personal situation, trust level, and the complexity of your estate. Many people find it best to use a combination of methods. For example, you might keep the original will in a safe box at home, register a copy as a secret will with the local District office, and also provide a copy to your designated estate administrator. This layered approach helps ensure that your will can be found and executed as intended, even if one method fails.

By planning ahead and choosing the right storage option, you can avoid confusion and potential legal issues later on. Always discuss your storage plans with your estate planning lawyer or advisor, so they are aware of your wishes and can help coordinate with your estate administrator if needed. Taking these steps now will give you peace of mind, knowing that your final wishes are well-protected and easily accessible when the time comes.