Once you have created and executed your estate planning documents, you need to know what to do with them.

Store the Documents Properly
Your estate planning documents should be stored in a safe, secure location that is accessible to the person you appoint to handle your estate’s affairs after your passing (executor). Some law firms will store your original signed documents for you. If you want to keep them at home, you should use a water-and-fire-proof safe or filing cabinet. It’s a bad idea to use a safe deposit box in a bank because that can be hard for your representative to access. Often the documents giving your personal representative the right to access the safe deposit box are actually in the box.

Spread the Word
It’s critical that you tell your personal representative where the documents are located so that they can easily access them when needed. If the documents are locked away, your representative needs to know the combination or where the key is located. You should also talk to other people who might be affected, such as your agent under a power of attorney or a health care proxy, about what you want if you are unable to communicate your wishes yourself. Doing this ahead of time will help them execute your wishes when the time comes. You may want to give family members copies of your documents. If an original document is lost, the court may accept a copy in some circumstances.

Avoid Confusion
Make sure you destroy any old estate planning documents that are no longer valid. Old documents can cause confusion among family members and could even lead to litigation. In addition, do not write on your current documents. If you want to make a change, contact your attorney to formally change the document. Handwritten additions are usually not valid and could raise questions about the document.

Remember, these documents are important, but they can only be used to take care of your loved ones when they are easily accessible to the people who need them. While confidential, make sure the people you trust can get to these documents quickly and easily.