How much does it cost to store your will?
If you want the district court to store your will, you will be charged a one-time fee. You will have to pay a new fee if you amend your will, write a codicil or write a new will and want this held by the district court. When you submit a new will for storage, you should ask for the old will to be returned if it is no longer valid.
Storing your own will
If you want a district court to store your will, it is important to remember that:
- the will must be in original
- you must confirm in a covering letter that you want your will to be stored in the district court
- you must enclose a copy of a valid ID document containing photo and signature
Storing a mutual will
If you want a district court to store a mutual will, it is important to remember that:
- the will must be in original
- you must confirm in a covering letter, signed by both of you, that you want your will to be stored in the district court
- you must enclose a copy of your valid ID documents containing photos and signatures
If one of you is unable to be present when the will is delivered, a power of attorney is needed from the person not present.
Can others get the will stored on your behalf?
Both private individuals and lawyers can submit the will for you. Here are the requirements:
Private individuals
The person who submits the will on your behalf must bring
- a written authorization from you giving the right to submit the will for safekeeping
- a copy of your valid ID with photo and signature
- a copy of their valid photo and signature identification
Lawyer
The lawyer who submits the will on your behalf must include
- a covering letter where the lawyer confirms that the submission is on your behalf
- a copy of your valid photo ID and signature