You’ve made the decision to create an Estate Plan. You’ve made all of those important decisions (including Leaving a Legacy), you’ve got your Estate Plan in your hand. Now what?
A common question we encounter is: “where should I put all of these documents?”
That drawer at home in the file cabinet with all your insurance documents? That shoebox under the bed with your collection of rare coins? Your bank deposit box? How about the lawyer’s office?
Ultimately, that decision is up to you. North Carolina law requires that your Estate Planning documents be kept in the same location as your important documents. The point is for your loved ones to be able to find it when they need to. If you normally keep all of your bank statements, investment paperwork, insurance policies, or other important documents in the safe in your closet and you choose to keep your Estate Plan on top of the refrigerator – that’s not going to work unless you specifically make that known to your family.
Most people choose to keep their Estate Plans in one of three locations: (1) a personal, household safe; (2) a bank deposit box; or (3) if the attorney offers this service, with the attorney that drafted the plan.
Recently there have been online companies offering to store these documents online for you – however, in order to probate a Will in North Carolina, you need the original. If you only have a scanned/digital copy, a hearing has to be held as to why the original cannot be located and to determine whether the copy is legitimate.
What’s a reasonable choice? Pick one of the three listed above.
Author Bio
Paul Yokabitus
Founder & Estate Planning Lawyer
Paul Yokabitus is the founder of Cary Estate Planning, where he helps North Carolina families protect what matters most through wills, trusts, probate, and special needs planning. Known for his “planning, not paperwork” approach, Paul turns complex legal concepts into clear, practical strategies so clients feel informed and confident at every step. He has been recognized as a Business North Carolina Legal Elite attorney and a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and was named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. A graduate of Campbell University School of Law, Paul lives in the Triangle with his wife, Alix, and their two sons.
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How We Help North Carolina Families
Paul and his team at Cary Estate Planning are fully committed to creating a personalized experience to develop thorough and comprehensive estate plans. They value their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that no details are missed. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone looking to create an estate plan.
I was referred to Paul by my Real Estate Attorney and I could not say enough about how exceptional the client service has been from everyone I spoke to. The communication is prompt and I feel like they really took the time to answer all my questions and set things up exactly as I wanted, but also recommended things to make it easier on my family down the line.
After attending one of Paul’s estate planning seminars, my husband and I knew we wanted Paul to assist us with our estate planning. His honest, professional approach to this necessary part of life put us at ease with the process. We will continue to recommend Paul and Cary Estate Planning.
We had a great experience working with Paul Yokabitus and the team at Cary Estate Planning to set up our Will and Estate Plan. The process was clear and easy, and in the age of COVID, our signing session was very well done, easy, and safe.
The Cary Estate Planning team will make sure that you have the information you need to be confident in your estate planning decisions. I learned so much from videos, a one-on-one in-person consultation, the website, emails, and a newsletter mailed the old fashioned way. The fee is very reasonable given the importance of estate planning. No matter the size or number of your assets, don’t procrastinate like I did!
Paul is a masterful attorney. He’s very good at taking your intentions and defining that into a durable Trust and Will. Best of all he is as simple and plain-spoken as you like. Or as fast as intellectual as you may be. It’s all about your your speed and your desired outcomes. Would strongly recommend this firm.
Trusted Estate Planning
Attorney Offices in Cary and Raleigh
Capability to meet virtually to help all NC residents
