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

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-a-lawyers-case-files-after-they-retire-and-or-die/972428
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [September 29, 2022, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-a-lawyers-case-files-after-they-retire-and-or-die/972428 "2022-09-29T04:27:38Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Showing post:** 5

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)
#### Post date: [September 29, 2022, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-a-lawyers-case-files-after-they-retire-and-or-die/972428/5 "2022-09-29T06:28:51Z")

</div>

> [@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.

---

_[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-a-lawyers-case-files-after-they-retire-and-or-die/972428)._