Finishing your Last Will & Testament is a big step toward protecting your loved ones and your legacy. But once your will is written and signed, your estate planning journey isn’t quite complete. To make sure your wishes are carried out smoothly, there are a few important steps to take next. 

Here’s what to do after you’ve completed your will—so it’s ready when your loved ones need it most. 

1. Make Sure Your Will Is Properly Signed and Witnessed 

Before anything else, double-check that your will meets your state’s legal requirements. Most states require that you: 

● Sign your will in person. 

● Have two adult witnesses present when you sign. 

● Ensure your witnesses sign in your presence (and in each other’s, in some states). 

If your will isn’t signed and witnessed properly, it may not hold up in court. Verifying this step now can prevent major issues later. 

2. Consider Adding a Self-Proving Affidavit 

A self-proving affidavit is a notarized statement attached to your will that confirms it was signed correctly. While optional, it can save your family time and stress during probate. 

When a will is “self-proving,” the court doesn’t need to contact your witnesses to confirm its validity—speeding up the process and helping your executor settle your estate more efficiently. 

3. Store Your Will in a Safe, Accessible Place 

Once your will is signed, it’s crucial to keep it safe—but also easy for your loved ones to find. Consider:

● A fireproof safe or lockbox at home. 

● A safe deposit box (as long as someone you trust has access). 

● With your executor or estate planning attorney. 

Avoid hiding your will in a hard-to-find place—if no one can locate it, it’s as if it doesn’t exist. 

4. Tell Someone You Trust Where It’s Kept 

Choose a few trusted people to know where your will is stored and how to access it. At minimum, your executor should know where the original copy is and how to retrieve it quickly. 

You may also want to: 

● Give your executor a digital or physical copy. 

● Keep an inventory of your important documents with clear instructions. Transparency now helps your loved ones avoid confusion and uncertainty later. 

5. Review and Update Your Will Regularly 

Your will should reflect your current life circumstances—so don’t set it aside forever. Review your will every few years or after major life changes such as: 

● Marriage, divorce, or remarriage. 

● The birth or adoption of a child. 

● Buying or selling major property. 

● Moving to a new state. 

Updating your will ensures your instructions remain accurate and legally valid. 6. Review Related Estate Planning Documents

Your will is just one piece of your broader estate plan. To make sure every aspect of your wishes is covered, consider completing or reviewing: 

● A Health Care Power of Attorney—to designate who can make medical decisions for you. 

● A Financial Power of Attorney—to authorize someone to handle your finances if you become incapacitated. 

● A HIPAA Waiver—to allow loved ones access to your medical information when needed. Having these documents in place ensures your plan is both comprehensive and cohesive. 

Final Thoughts 

Writing your Last Will & Testament is one of the most responsible decisions you can make—but following through with these next steps ensures your effort truly pays off. By signing it correctly, storing it safely, and keeping it up to date, you’re giving your loved ones the clarity and peace of mind they’ll need most when the time comes. 

Taking care of these details today means your wishes will always be respected—and your family will be protected tomorrow.