Will Storage: Secure & Accessible Solutions
“Where should I put my Will?”, “Who can safely store a Will?” & “What happens if the Will is lost?”
Many people focus on writing their Will, but forget the vital step of storing the original safely. A Will that can’t be found, or is damaged, may as well not exist. Jonathan Lea Network ensures your Will is stored in a way that keeps it safe, accessible when needed, and legally effective.
Why Safe Will Storage Matters
Before we talk about options, here is why safe Will storage is essential:
- The original Will is required for probate. Copies are not usually sufficient; without the original, obtaining probate becomes complicated or may fail altogether.
- Risk of damage: fire, water, mould, pests, accidental loss, theft all threaten your Will if not kept properly.
- Accessibility: Executors need to retrieve the Will after death. If nobody knows where it is, or if it is locked away somewhere inaccessible (bank vault, safe deposit boxes etc.), delays and disputes often arise.
- Validity and peace of mind: storing with professionals or via official services minimises the risk of misplacement or tampering, and adds legal protection.
What Are the Main Will Storage Options in the UK
Below are the commonly used will storage methods, with advantages and drawbacks. Jonathan Lea Network can help you decide which fits your circumstances.
What UK Law & Official Services Say You Can Do
To understand your legal rights and obligations, here’s what current UK guidance and law say (as of 2025):
- The HM Courts & Tribunals Service permits the lodging of Wills and codicils for safe storage with a one-off fee.
- The original signed Will is the only legally valid version for probate purposes. Scanned or electronic copies generally won’t suffice.
- Executors should know the location of the Will and how to retrieve it. Lack of knowledge is a common cause of delay or dispute.
What Jonathan Lea Network Offers for Will Storage
We not only advise on the best method to store your Will, we also provide practical, secure, cost-transparent services. Here’s what makes our service strong:
Key Features of Our Will Storage Service
- Secure physical storage: Your original Will is stored in our secure archive facility, with protection against damage from fire, water, theft and other risks.
- Insurance and liability: We maintain professional indemnity insurance and cover documents in storage under agreed protection in case of loss or damage while under our care.
- Access when needed: Executors (after death) or you (during your lifetime) can retrieve or review the original Will following verification of identity. We provide guidance and support to make this process smooth.
- Will review / safekeeping updates: If your circumstances change and you need to amend your Will or replace it, we coordinate removal of the old Will and safe storage of the updated version.
- Registration assistance: Where useful, we help register your Will with the National Will Register or similar, so that its existence and location is easier to find by those who need it.
- Transparent, fixed fees: We let you know what storage (and retrieval) will cost up front. We offer both one-off and ongoing storage solutions depending on your situation.
What Clients Worry About – And How We Address It
When people think about storing their Will, common concerns, fears, and goals include:
| Concern / Goal | What It Means for You | How We Help |
| Fear the Will will be lost or destroyed | This is among the biggest worries: if your original Will is gone, your wishes might not be followed. | We store the Will under strong physical protection; keep backups in records; ensure insurance and secure archive standards. |
| Want easy retrieval by executors, minimal delay | Executors often must prove identity and find documents during a stressful time. | We make sure executors have clear instructions; we provide guidance and efficient retrieval process; our archive is well-organised and documented. |
| Hoping to keep costs reasonable | Some storage services are expensive or have hidden costs; you want value. | We offer clear fixed-fee quotes; transparent pricing; options so you can choose the level of service you need. |
| Updating the Will when life changes | You might marry, divorce, have children, move abroad: your Will might need changes. | We facilitate reviews and updates; we hold the new Will in storage and replace old version; we help manage codicils or full remaking. |
| Worry about provider staying in business or firm closing | What happens if the solicitor or storage company shuts down? | As a regulated firm, Jonathan Lea Network has professional obligations; we have plans in place for continuity; documentation is transferred or safeguarded under regulation. |
How to Choose the Right Will Storage for You
Here are questions to ask yourself (and the provider) when choosing where and how to store your Will:
- Is the service regulated (for solicitors), insured, and reliable?
- What are the storage conditions (fireproof, waterproof, secure access, environmental protection)?
- What are the costs (storage fee, retrieval fee, amendment fee)?
- How can the Will be accessed by your executors? What verification is needed?
- If you change your Will, how is the old one replaced or destroyed?
- What happens if the provider stops trading, retires, or the premises move? Will your Will be transferred safely?
Jonathan Lea Network helps you through all these questions, so you make an informed decision rather than trusting on good faith alone.
How Much Does Will Storage Cost & How Long It Takes
While cost depends on your needs, here are typical ranges and timelines:
At Jonathan Lea Network, once you have signed your Will and passed it to us (or we prepare it for you), storage is effective immediately: you’ll have confirmation and guidance on how it is kept and how you or your executors can access it.
Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
To ensure your Will storage is effective, here are pitfalls many people fall into, and what you should avoid:
- Failing to inform your executors where the Will is kept: even if stored safely, if nobody knows, delays happen. Always tell your executors.
- Using bank safety deposit boxes: they may require probate or proof to open; executors might be blocked from accessing the Will until probate granted, and probate may be delayed until the Will is produced.
- Attaching notes, staples, or paperclips after signing; folding or damaging the Will: physical defects may lead to disputes or questions of validity.
- Neglecting updates when life changes: marriages, divorces, births, moves etc. may mean your Will no longer reflects your wishes or circumstances. Always review.
- Choosing low quality or unregulated storage services without understanding what happens if they close or fail. Check regulation, insurance, continuity.
Why Jonathan Lea Network Is Your Trusted Partner for Will Storage
Here are reasons clients trust us for storing their Wills safely and for good value:
- Professional regulation and standards: We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority; our archive meets professional and legal standards. You can rely on us for continuity, security, and proper handling.
- Team-based support: Multiple solicitors, file-management professionals and administrative staff work together to keep your documents secure and accessible; you won’t be left dependent on a single person.
- Transparent fees: From the start you know what storage costs, what retrieval costs might be, and what changes or replacements cost; no hidden charges.
- Personalised service: We explain your options, what fits your situation, help with registration, and ensure your executors know what to do; we aim to reduce your stress.
- Flexibility: Options for one-off storage, long-term safekeeping, physical collection or delivery, amendments and reviews as circumstances change.
Contact Us
A well-written Will is only effective if your Executors or loved ones can find it when it matters most. Don’t leave your final wishes exposed to risk. Contact Jonathan Lea Network now to arrange secure Will storage. We will explain your options, give you a fixed quote, and ensure your Will is safely archived so your intentions will be upheld. Let us provide you with peace of mind — make sure your Will is protected today.
Call us at +44 (0)1444 708 640
Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Or book an appointment via our website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What happens if a Will is stored somewhere and then the solicitor or storage provider ceases trading or merges?
-
If a will is stored with a solicitor regulated by SRA, there are rules about continuity of client documents. Usually documents are transferred to another regulated firm. At Jonathan Lea Network, we maintain clear records, comply with regulation, and will assist in such cases, so your Will remains safe and traceable even if circumstances change.
-
Can I retrieve my Will while I am still alive, or make changes to it while it is in storage?
-
Yes. You can request your original Will back or retrieve it for review, amendment or destruction (if you are making a new one). We also facilitate codicils or full replacement, depending on your instructions. Retrieval usually requires proof of identity so there is secure control.
-
Is storing my Will with HMCTS better than with a private solicitor?
-
It depends on your priorities. HMCTS provides state-backed, secure storage at a modest one-off cost; but it may have longer processing times, and changes (new Will or codicil) need formal handling. A solicitor can offer more flexibility, easier access for you and your executors, and potentially more personalised service.
-
How long should I keep my Will storage arrangements under review?
-
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, change of home, new assets, or moving abroad often make your Will no longer suitable. It is wise to review your Will and its storage every few years or when a significant event occurs. We at Jonathan Lea Network recommend reviews at least every 5 years or upon major life changes.
-
If the original Will is lost, can a copy still be used?
-
Sometimes yes, but only under strict legal conditions. Courts require proof that the Will existed, that it wasn’t destroyed intentionally, and that the copy is a true and accurate reflection. That process can be difficult, expensive and uncertain. Safeguarding the original avoids this risk.
What Our Clients Say
Request a Free
No Obligation
20 Minute Call
This introductory call is to discuss your matter so we can provide a well-considered quote.
However, please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are more looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are between £200 – £300 + 20% VAT (£240 – £360 inclusive of VAT) depending on the seniority of the solicitor taking the call.