Does my Will have to be recorded/filed in the county where I reside?
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Does my Will have to be recorded/filed in the county where I reside?
Asked on July 9, 2014 under Estate Planning, Indiana
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
No, it does not. Has long as your Will meets all of your state's requirements for execution (proper number of witnesses, etc.), it is valid. Recording or filing it will not affect that. However, recording or filing it can make it easier to find upon your death and protects against it being lost or accidentally destroyed. You can check on how to do this and the cost (typically a minimal sum) with your local Probate Court. Just tremember, if you update your Will (via a codicil or execute a new Will entirely) you'll need to re-file it.
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