One of the things I learned in my estate planning session was that the county I live in requires the original will to be registered - not a copy. My kid has a copy of my will (as does my lawyer) - but I have the original in a safe place at home. My daughter knows where that is. That was a surprise to me. But you're a lawyer so I'm betting you already knew this. :) But maybe someone else will read this response & look into that will register thing in their home county. I can always register the will now, but - what if I change it? And also - it then becomes a public record anyone can read. So I've decided to wait on that bit. :)