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Will Bank, Secure Document Vault

Will Bank by LexWills, AES-256 encrypted vault for your will, POA, and digital assets. Life Pulse check-ins, Deadman's Switch, Video Message Vault, Executor Ready Kit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I store my will in a bank safety deposit box?

Yes, bank safety deposit boxes are excellent for storing original wills. Benefits: secure storage, protection from fire/theft, and easy access by your executor with a death certificate. Costs are minimal ($50-$200/year). Provide your executor with a key and let them know the box location so they can access it after your death. Downsides: the bank may charge fees to open the box after death, and access delays are possible if paperwork is missing. Alternatively, store with a lawyer, use a professional vault service, or keep in a home safe—each has trade-offs.

Relevant legislation: Succession Law Reform Act, S.O. 1990, c. S.26

What else should I store in a safety deposit box with my will?

Along with your will, consider storing: power of attorney documents, advance care directives (living wills), birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, life insurance policies, property deeds, business documents, list of assets and accounts, and passwords to a password manager. Do NOT store: original bonds or checks (which must be presented for payment), valuable jewelry (insure separately), or anything that might be difficult for executor to access quickly. Keep duplicates at home for everyday reference.

Relevant legislation: Estate administration best practices

What is the cost and process for accessing my will after I die?

The bank typically charges a fee ($50-$200+) to open the box after death. The process: provide executor presents a death certificate and identification, bank verifies authority, box is opened, and contents are inventoried. Some banks may require court authorization for large or complex estates. The process usually takes 1-2 weeks but can be slower. Instruct your executor in advance on the process. Consider giving the executor a spare key so they can access immediately without bank delay.

Relevant legislation: Bank procedures vary; check with your specific bank

Is a lawyer's vault better than a bank safety deposit box for my will?

Both are excellent. Lawyer vaults offer: lawyer involvement (who can advise on execution and validity), accessibility (you can retrieve at any time), and integration with estate planning. Cost is similar ($200-$500 initially). Bank boxes are simpler and lower-cost if you don't need lawyer involvement. Choose a lawyer's vault if you want ongoing legal guidance; choose a bank box if you simply want secure storage. Many people use both: draft with a lawyer, then store the original in a bank box.

Relevant legislation: Law Society of Ontario

What should I tell my executor about accessing my will after I die?

Provide in writing: the exact location of your will (bank name, box number), how to access it (which bank, location, key location), any passwords needed (if digital storage), and a letter authorizing the executor to retrieve it. Include the bank's contact information and hours. A "Letter of Wishes" stored with your will can also explain your values and intentions. Many people create a short summary document stored at home that says "My will is stored at [Bank name], Box #[number]. Contact [person] for the key."

Relevant legislation: Estate administration planning

Can I store a digital copy of my will in a vault instead of the original?

Courts prefer original wills signed by you and witnessed. A digital copy is helpful as a backup but not a substitute. If the original is lost or destroyed, courts may accept a certified copy, but only with evidence the original existed and the copy accurately reflects it. To be safe: keep the signed original in a vault (bank or lawyer), keep a certified copy at home for reference, and maintain a digital scan in secure cloud storage. Do NOT rely solely on digital copies—Ontario courts require originality for proper probate.

Relevant legislation: Succession Law Reform Act, S.O. 1990, c. S.26

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Contested Estate — Will Challenge Defeated

Successfully defended testator's wishes against undue influence claim

A disinherited beneficiary challenged the validity of a $2.1M estate, alleging undue influence and lack of testamentary capacity. We presented medical evidence, independent witness testimony, and documentation of the testator's consistent wishes over 15 years, securing dismissal of the challenge and full distribution per the will.

Challenge Dismissed

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— SJR

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“I had the absolute pleasure of working separately with two lawyers from Lexaltico — Pooja Lassi and Matthew Ram — on different matters. The level of professionalism, expertise, and care demonstrated by each of them was consistently exceptional. They do not simply service your needs — they take the time to thoroughly understand your situation and proactively problem-solve.”

— SJR

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Will Bank, Secure Document Vault

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Contested Estate — Will Challenge Defeated

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