Brent Ripley Planning

On this page we are trying to educate the public with short informative paragraphs about estate planning basics. We don't give sales pitches or calls to action, rather we hope to explain things that we think you would like to understand. If this information is helpful or interesting, please invite your friends to like us.

Sometimes the family of a person who died cannot find their will or trust, or they are not sure if the document they found is the most recent document. How can you make sure your family doesn't have to go on a treasure hunt when you die? Here are some ideas: 1. If the contents aren't secret, give your trustee or personal representative a copy of the documents; 2. Keep the documents in a conspicuous binder on a shelf, not tucked away in a manila folder deep in your filing cabinet; 3. If you don't want anyone to read your will until after you're dead, consider leaving it with the attorney who drafted it, and make sure your family knows how to contact him or her; 4. if you keep it in a safe, or a safety deposit box, make sure combination or key is somewhere easily accessed;