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STORAGE OF ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS

All important estate planning documents should be kept in one place, where the
estate planner, his family, executor or trustee can readily find them. A “master file”
should be set up, which lists all the important documents and where they can be
located. The executor and family members should be made aware of the location
of the “master file” and the location of the estate documents, so that they are
easily accessible.
Photocopies and duplicate originals
n The estate planner should photocopy the documents he wishes people to
see or have. These copies are not legal originals, because they are not signed
by him.
n A photocopy of the estate planner’s signature does not make a document a
legal original.
n The estate planner should never sign a copy, as this could legally qualify as a
“duplicate original”.
n To be extra safe, the estate planner should mark “copy” in ink on each page.
n The Master of the High Court may only accept copies of an original Last Will
and Testament if ordered to do so by the Court.
n Otherwise the Master will only accept the original Last Will and Testament or
a duplicate original.

Checklist of important estate planning documents for safekeeping
n The original Last Will and Testament
n Identity document
n Marriage certificate, and antenuptial contract (if applicable)
n Divorce and maintenance orders (if applicable)
n Copies of inter vivos trust deed(s) and Letters of Authority (if applicable)
n Banking accounts
u Every account should be listed indicating the name of the bank, account
number and name on the account
n Credit cards
u List all credit cards and account numbers and where they can be found

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