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Document Safe Custody

One of the greatest underutilised services of a law firm today is the use of Safe custody services for the secure storage of important documents such as Wills, power of attorney, bank account details, original certificates of title, asset lists, other original documents and password lists.

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Cost of a Lawyer

The Benefits of Safe Custody

Authorization to sign documents

We have a list of who is and who is not authorized to sign out documents.

Unlimited access

Unlimited access to update documents accordingly.

No fee or charges

No fees or charges related to storage – the big banks charge upwards of $55 p.a. for a standard envelope.

Onsite Witness

Signatories and witnesses onsite for validating new documents.

Financial Assets

Legal advice

Legal advice on hand for any immediate questions, queries or concerns.

Offsite storage of documents

Your documents are stored offsite from your residential property for reasons such as fire, theft, flood and possible tampering. If your documents are stored offsite and that building burns down, you are alive to re-write your documents. It is a much worse outcome if your documents are stored with you and your house burns down with you in it – there is no file – and you can’t re-write it.

Agreement

Up to date

Keeping your file up to date – we will send yearly prompts to ensure your documents are still valid – with up to date details to account for are kept up to date with asset & estate growth and family events such as births, deaths and marriages.

Frequently asked questions

Safe custody is basically keeping a set of important documents in a secure place in case of an emergency. These might include documents such as Wills, power of attorney, bank account details, original certificates of title, asset lists, other original documents and password lists.
When I first started practicing law I had a client refer to the collection of her safe custody documents as a ‘cactus file’. ie. A register of all the necessary and important details that are needed when you are ‘cactus’. The logic being that her executor will collect her ‘cactus’ file upon her passing to start managing the estate as best as possible.

That term cactus file resonates with me to this day as I found it a little blasé, matter-of-fact, and yet I couldn’t help but smile as it relieves some tension about the seriousness of the issue.
Do not under any circumstances keep multiple copies of a cactus file in several different locations. This will only create confusion as to which is the ‘most recent’ or up-to-date file.

If you have any queries about putting some of your documents in safe custody, please do not hesitate to call our office. One of our experienced team members will be happy to assist you with organising safe custody for your important documents.

Why choose us

We will tell you the truth at all times

We will be honest with you about your prospects of success, issues that arise or the commercial viability of your matter. The first time you come to see us, we will tell you whether you even need a lawyer.

We will respect you and your situation

Our job is not to judge anything you may have done. Our job is to guide your matter and actions moving forward to give you the best possible outcome for you, both legally and personally.

We will listen and understand your needs

We will hear not just what you want to achieve, but why you want to achieve it. We will tell you what you need to do to achieve the outcome you are after, legally, practically and emotionally.

We will stand by you all the way

Your matter doesn’t finish once a court order has been made. We will stay on your matter right up until all of the outstanding issues have been dealt with and the court orders are complied with.

Putting your important.

If you have any queries about putting some of your documents in safe custody, please do not hesitate to call our office

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I needed a divorce lawyer I could trust. And I trusted Forge completely.

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In my darkest times Forge’s family first approach made me feel comforted and safe.

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I was suprised by Forge’s holistic service. They were so much more than just great lawyers.

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In my darkest times Forge’s family first approach made me feel comforted and safe.

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