If a law firm shuts down, but still has wills and other documents for clients, what happens to the documents?

[calvert]

Say a law firm closes its doors, whether due to bankruptcy or whatever, but still has a client's will or other legal documents. Does another law firm come in and assume responsibility to carry out the will of the client, or look after other documents? What happens?

[hob97]

Say a law firm closes its doors, whether due to bankruptcy or whatever, but still has a client's will or other legal documents. Does another law firm come in and assume responsibility to carry out the will of the client, or look after other documents? What happens?

In general, the firm will contact clients for whom it is holding documents to ascertain if they want the documents transferred to another firm or sent back. Also, in a medium to large firm, its probable many of the lawyers will be moving to other firms, and will take matters with them.

If a client cannot be reached, the firm is obligated to insure safe transfer and storage of those documents.

[marlan43]

"Does another law firm come in and assume responsibility to carry out the will of the client, or look after other documents? "

Quick answer is yes.
This happened to me, I went to a solicitor's office searching for the will of my mother-in-law, only to find they'd moved 15 years previously.
I then had to traipse round several of the larger practices in town, but eventually I found it after weeks of foot work.
For this reason I keep my precious documents at my bank, the bank's not likely to move or shut down!

[mohammed47]

Generally said documents are either returned to the person who commissioned them to be done...or another law firm takes them over. A letter is generally sent to all clients and former clients to inform them of the ending of the legal practice and ask how they want their documents (if any) handled.

[sceley]

Another assumes responibility.

[jorel]

Clients are responsible for keeping their own wills. Law firms keep copies.