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<div>At the start of my practice, I learned from my mentors to keep original wills for clients. After 20+ years I had so many I realized it didn't make sense to be liable for them. This became clearer when I tried to contact all the testators to return them.
After search, clerical and mailing costs I still had too many (maybe 150). I have to keep these till I retire and then I'll have to pay to file them at court. Now I talk to clients about alternatives for safekeeping and making sure someone has knowledge and
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<div id="AppleMailSignature">It had never occurred to me to create duplicate originals till I probated an original will and learned that the estate planning attorney also had an original. It turned out to be the same will but almost caused a lot of confusion.
I think it's a mistake, though I'm open to learning how it could be useful. <br>
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<div><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lisa E. Schuchman </span></div>
<div>206-325-2801</div>
<div><a href="http://www.lisaschuchman.com">www.lisaschuchman.com</a></div>
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<pre style="word-wrap: break-word;"><font face=".SFUIDisplay-Regular"><span style="white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid. –Albert Schweitzer</span></font></pre>
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On Mar 4, 2016, at 2:29 PM, Tom White <<a href="mailto:thomas.henry.white@gmail.com">thomas.henry.white@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br>
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<div>Dear List:<br>
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<div>I am wondering what the best practice is for original wills. How many do you ordinarily make and where are they kept?
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Do you only make one, and if so where do you keep it? Do you recommend the client keep it or do you deposit it with the court?
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<div>Regards,<br>
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<div>-- <br>
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Tom White<br>
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<div>Attorney-At-Law<br>
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<div>Seattle, Washington<br>
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