Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

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THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

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The use of email or this form for communication with MULVANEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC does not establish an Attorney-Client Relationship. If you don’t think I have responded, please check your spam folder. Time-sensitive information should not be sent through this Form or through email. Sensitive information can be uploaded to an encrypted Dropbox folder in your client file. Google Review Link Yelp Review Link

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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

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Keeping your estate planning documents safe is crucial because these documents contain your final wishes and are essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your instructions are carried out. Without proper safekeeping and accessibility, there can be significant legal and practical complications. 

Here’s a breakdown of why secure storage is so important:

• Ensuring your wishes are followed: Estate planning documents like a will dictate how you want your assets distributed and who should care for any minor children.
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• Avoiding legal hurdles and delays: Lost or damaged documents can lead to complications with the probate process, potentially delaying or even preventing the proper distribution of your estate. In the case of a lost will, a court might presume it was revoked, making it difficult and expensive to prove otherwise.
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• Preventing family disputes: Clear and accessible estate planning documents can help prevent disagreements among family members regarding your wishes, promoting harmony during a difficult time.
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• Protecting your assets: Information within your documents, such as bank accounts and property details, can be vulnerable to fraud or identity theft if not stored securely. Unauthorized access or alterations can lead to significant financial loss and incorrect distributions.
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• Ensuring access in emergencies: Documents like a power of attorney and healthcare directives are critical for making decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Delays in accessing these documents could impact medical outcomes and financial affairs.
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• Providing peace of mind: Knowing your documents are securely stored and accessible to the appropriate individuals offers both you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

 

 

 

Best Practices for Safeguarding Estate Planning Documents:

• Choose a secure location: Options include a fireproof and waterproof home safe or a safe deposit box at a bank.
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• Inform trusted individuals: Make sure your executor, trustee, or other designated representatives know where your documents are stored and how to access them.
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• Consider digital backups: Store encrypted copies in a secure online vault or hard drive as a backup.
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• Review and update regularly: Update your documents to reflect changes in your life and ensure your security measures are still effective. 

By taking these steps to protect your estate planning documents, you can ensure your legacy is handled according to your wishes, minimizing stress and complications for your loved ones. 

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Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.