Many law firms prioritise the assurance of their clients’ peace of mind by offering secure storage facilities for essential documents. A recent High Court case, which stemmed from the misplacement of a landowner’s Will, underscores the potential pitfalls of keeping such critical documents at home.

Less than five years prior to his untimely passing from a brain tumour, the landowner had the foresight to formally draft a Will, designating a close friend as the principal beneficiary of his estate. Known for his inclination to hoard, he made the decision to maintain the original document at his residence, where his filing system was nothing short of chaotic. Tragically, following his death, despite a diligent search, only a copy of the Will could be located. Subsequently, the close friend initiated legal proceedings with the aim of having the copy recognised for Probate.

However, this move was met with opposition from the landowner’s sister, who contended that her brother had intentionally destroyed the original Will, thus rendering it invalid. Given that he had custody of the document at the time of his passing, the legal presumption leaned in her favour. Arguing that her brother had left no valid Will at the time of his demise, she claimed her rightful inheritance as his next of kin.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Court ruled in favour of the close friend. The Court’s decision underscored that there was no dispute concerning the landowner’s mental capacity to execute the Will, which had been properly executed. Unfortunately, there was no concrete evidence shedding light on the whereabouts of the original Will, which remained concealed amidst the disarray of documents he had left behind.

What sets Seatons Solicitors apart in this scenario is our commitment to safeguarding your interests and ensuring that your last wishes are protected. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider using us to store your Will:

Secure Storage Facilities: Seatons offer secure storage facilities designed to protect your valuable documents from loss, damage, or unauthorised access.
Professionalism and Expertise: With Seatons, you benefit from the experience and expertise of legal professionals who understand the importance of proper document management.
Peace of Mind: Entrusting your Will to Seatons means you can have peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be securely stored and readily accessible when needed.
Legal Compliance: Seatons ensure that your Will complies with all legal requirements, reducing the risk of challenges or disputes after your passing.
Efficient Retrieval: In times of need, Seatons will promptly retrieve your Will, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your estate is distributed according to your instructions.

In summary, the recent court case highlights the significance of secure document storage, and Seatons offer a reliable solution to safeguard your Will, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve. Don’t leave your important documents to chance; choose Seatons Solicitors for professional and secure storage.

Contact our Kettering office on 01536 311690 or our Corby office on 01536 276300 or even get in touch online to discuss making a Will and to see how we can help you protect your estate and ensure the correct distribution when the time comes.