We all know to stock up on water, canned goods, and gas when a hurricane is looming, but seldom do we give thought to those very important documents we gave our time, energy and money to obtain.
So here’s a PSA (Public Service Announcement) from our family to yours:
Make sure all of your estate planning documents are placed in a waterproof and fireproof container.
Don’t have an at-home safe that qualifies? Consider renting a safe deposit box at your local bank. The cost far outweighs the potential to lose original documents.
“But which originals do I really need?” It’s best to safeguard all of them, but minimally, your Last Will and Testament may be the one that needs more protection. Courts require a Last Will and Testament to be submitted in its original form. That’s not to say you could not submit a copy, but the procedures for this are costly and simply not worth it if efficient precautions are taken to maintain the original safe.
The latest advisory: (5pm on October 4th)
To my friends, my clients, my family: Stay safe out there. I am a phone call or email away. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help!