> " snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.ca" wrote:
>>> The actual will is held by the lawyer. You only hold a copy.
>> Not necessarily. My lawyer does not "store" Wills, I have
>> the original in my safe deposit box and a copy in my home
>> files.
>> My named executor has full access to the safe deposit box.
> The box might be sealed when the bank learns of your death
> (the IRS wants to have a witness when it's opened in case
> it's full of unreported cash). Have an original at home.
When I said that the executor had "full access" to the box I meant that not only does she have a key, she also has "signature authority" from the bank and can access the box at any time. I was executor for my mother's estate and we had a similar arrangement. After her death I was able to open her box and inventory/ retrieve the contents with no interference from the bank. I think that concerns about the box being sealed (and unavailable) may be somewhat overblown or an urban legend.
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