What happens to a lawyers case files after they retire and/or die?

[pkbites]

@Northern_Piper

The state bar may be of assistance, but you may be making an error in confusing « drafting the will » and « keeping the will. » I know it’s a staple of old English murder mysteries that the family solicitor kept the will in their office, but there’s no obligation on the lawyer to do so.

After the will is signed, the lawyer can give the will and copies to the testator, tell them to keep them in a safe place, and give them the bill.

I’ve read a few articles in lawyer mags about lawyers who did the cost-benefit analysis of keeping the will for the client, and concluded that the increased liability of being a storage unit for important client documents wasn’t worth it.

Isn’t this one reason why wills are sometimes filed at the court house?

@hajario

Who the fuck doesn’t have a copy of their own will?

They’re sure he had a will but can’t find it. Wasn’t in his personal effects, files, or even a safe deposit box he had at the bank. This can’t be the first time something like this has happened.