Do Solicitors Keep Copies of Wills UK

A will is one of the most important legal documents an individual can make, as it sets out how their estate should be managed and distributed after their death. Once a will has been drafted and signed, a common question arises about where it should be stored and whether solicitors keep copies for safekeeping. Knowing how solicitors handle wills can provide reassurance to those making one and clarity to families who may need to access it in the future.

Solicitors and Will Storage

Many solicitors not only draft wills but also offer storage services to keep the original documents safe. In most cases, the original signed will is kept by the solicitor in secure storage, often in fireproof facilities or specialist document storage systems. Clients are usually given a copy for their records, while the solicitor retains the original to ensure it is not lost or damaged. This arrangement provides peace of mind, as losing the original will can cause complications for executors and beneficiaries.

Why Solicitors Keep Copies

Solicitors keep copies of wills for reference and to protect their clients’ interests. Having a copy on file allows them to provide advice if questions arise during the client’s lifetime, such as when reviewing or updating the will. It also ensures that, should the original be misplaced, there is still a reliable record of the client’s instructions. However, only the original will can normally be admitted to probate after death, which is why secure storage of the signed document is so important.

Accessing a Will After Death

When a client passes away, the executors named in the will are entitled to request the original from the solicitor. Solicitors will release it once they have verified the identity of the executors and obtained a copy of the death certificate. If the solicitor no longer holds the will, they may still have a copy which can help in tracing the original. In some cases, firms close or merge, and wills are transferred to another practice, but records of where documents are stored are usually kept for future reference.

Alternatives to Solicitor Storage

While many people choose to let their solicitor keep their will, others prefer different options. Wills can be stored with the Probate Service for a small fee, or kept securely at home or with a bank. However, home storage carries risks such as damage or loss, and banks no longer commonly provide will storage services. For these reasons, solicitor storage remains one of the most reliable and convenient choices, particularly as it often comes at no extra cost when a solicitor drafts the will.

Conclusion

Solicitors do keep copies of wills, and in most cases they also store the original securely on behalf of clients. This ensures that the document is protected, accessible to executors when needed and less likely to be lost or destroyed. While other storage options exist, keeping a will with a solicitor remains one of the safest ways to preserve such an important document.