GETTING ORGANIZED - Where should I keep my estate planning documents?

Many times, clients have asked me where they should keep their trust documents. Safe deposit box? Fireproof Safe? The local bank? My trustee? My kids? 

The answer is really simple: in a safe and reliable place. But what does that mean? 

Far too often, essential information is difficult to locate quickly and easily.  For example, important papers may be stored in various hard-to-find places (ie. shoebox, kitchen drawer, scraps of paper in the garage or office).  In an emergency, family members may have to scramble and experience anxiety because they have to search for indispensable documents, names of contacts or phone numbers. 

Your trust documents are very important and should be kept in a safe place. But they also should be readily available if your Successor Trustee needs access to it immediately. ​One of the reasons for this immediate access is that banks, stock transfer agents, and title companies may request to see your Trust (or Certification of Trust) so that they can verify that they are dealing with the right person. Because your Successor Trustee may need to act on a moment's notice, we recommend that you let him or her know where to find your trust documents. 

The most convenient place is somewhere in your home or office, but make sure it's protected from fire or floods, such as in a fire and water-proof safe. If you decide to put your trust documents in a fireproof safe at home, you may want to let your trustee know how to access the safe (ie. the combination). At a minimum, place your original estate planning documents on a high shelf in your home or office. That way the documents can be protected from floods, small children or pets. ​

In addition to keeping your estate planning documents in a safe and accessible place, you may think about leaving copies of your bank statements, past tax returns, contact information of key persons along with your estate plan documents to make the job of settling your estate be much less of a burden for the trustee.

Keep in mind that any kind of organization will be helpful to your trustee and beneficiaries. Having your documents in order means your personal and business affairs will be handled efficiently, quickly and accurately. And more importantly, your loved ones will be more easily be able to take care of you and your needs according to your wishes.