How long does a lawyer keep a will? 

When someone creates a will, it is important to keep the document in a safe and secure location. The person who created the will, also known as the testator, may choose to keep the will themselves or store it with a lawyer. In this article, we will discuss how long a lawyer typically keeps a will. 

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Lawyers are often chosen to store wills because they have secure storage options, such as fireproof safes or vaults, and are trained to handle legal documents. However, the length of time a lawyer keeps a will can vary depending on various factors, such as the lawyer’s policies and the state laws. 

In some states, lawyers are required by law to keep a will for a certain period of time. For example, in California, lawyers are required to keep wills for at least five years after the testator’s death. In other states, such as New York, there is no specific time limit for how long a lawyer must keep a will. 

If the testator is still alive and chooses to store the will with a lawyer, the lawyer may keep the will for as long as the testator desires. This can range from a few months to several years, depending on the testator’s wishes. 

If the testator passes away and the will is stored with a lawyer, the lawyer will typically keep the will for a certain period of time to ensure that it is available if needed. This period of time can vary depending on the lawyer’s policies and the state laws. 

After the required period of time has passed, the lawyer may choose to destroy the will or return it to the testator or the testator’s family. However, some lawyers may choose to keep the will for a longer period of time, especially if there are any ongoing legal disputes or if the will is particularly important. 

It is important to note that if a lawyer loses a will or fails to keep it safe, they may be held liable for any damages that result. Therefore, lawyers are typically very careful to ensure that wills are stored securely and that they are available if needed. 

In conclusion, the length of time a lawyer keeps a will can vary depending on various factors, such as the lawyer’s policies and the state laws. Some states require lawyers to keep wills for a certain period of time, while others have no specific time limit. If the testator is still alive, the lawyer may keep the will for as long as the testator desires. If the testator passes away, the lawyer will typically keep the will for a certain period of time to ensure that it is available if needed. After the required period of time has passed, the lawyer may choose to destroy the will or return it to the testator or the testator’s family. However, some lawyers may choose to keep the will for a longer period of time, especially if there are ongoing legal disputes or if the will is particularly important.