
Who keeps the original copy of a will?
Who Holds the Original Will in New York? When planning your estate, one of the most overlooked yet critical questions is: Who should keep the original copy of your will? In New York, as in many other jurisdictions, having the original document readily available is essential when the time comes to administer an estate. If a will cannot be produced in its original form, courts may presume it was revoked — which can lead to complications and unintended outcomes. Why the Original Copy of a Will Matters Probate courts in New York generally require the original, signed, and witnessed will to validate the document and begin the estate administration process. If only a copy is available, significant legal hurdles must