Should I give copies of my estate-planning documents to anyone?

Different documents may need to be available to different people. Health-care agents and providers may need health documents, while an executor or trustee may need to know where current originals are stored. The best distribution and storage plan depends on the documents and the person's circumstances.

General information

• A copy may not replace an original will in probate.
• Clear dating and storage can reduce confusion between old and current documents.
• Sensitive financial schedules do not need wide distribution.

Service steps to consider

1. Label copies with the signing date.
2. Considering replacement of copies after an amendment or new plan.
3. Keeping a short document-location list for family.

Quick check

• Did I follow my state's steps?
• Did every person sign in the right place?
• Can my family find the signed original?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills lets customers download or print prepared documents and provides signing guidance. The site may offer optional online notarization or printing and shipping. Customers remain responsible for completing the signing requirements for their state. A notary does not on its own replace required witnesses. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• A prepared document may remain ineffective until it is signed with the witnesses, acknowledgment, notarization, or other steps required by state law.
• If a signing mistake may have occurred, do not guess. Ask a licensed attorney in the governing state. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.