Why Your Original Will Matters: Lessons From Napoleon's Last Wishes

Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte—the infamous French emperor—wrote his own last will and testament while in exile? Nearly 200 years after his death, a copy of that was sold at auction for nearly half a million dollars—twice the expected value. But here's what’s even more fascinating: while the copy was made by a trusted advisor, Napoleon’s original will, handwritten by the man himself, remains protected in the French National Archives.

So, what does the will of a long-dead emperor have to do with estate planning in Florida?

As it turns out, quite a bit.

Napoleon’s will was incredibly detailed. He named his wife, Marie-Louise, as his personal representative, made specific cash bequests (including from a hefty six million Francs he conveniently stashed away), and included an eclectic mix of personal items—jewelry, linens, ornamental snuff boxes, and even his sword. He even requested that his ashes be scattered along the Seine. (Spoiler alert: they weren’t. The French king wasn’t interested in giving Napoleon any posthumous homecoming.)

What we can learn from all this is that having a clear, detailed, and legally sound will is key—and in Florida, so is keeping the original safe.

Florida Law and the Importance of the Original Will

In Florida, the original signed will is critical to the probate process. While it's sometimes possible to admit a copy of a will to probate if the original was accidentally lost or destroyed (think hurricane damage or fire), doing so is much more complicated and expensive.

To probate a copy, you’ll need:

• To notify all beneficiaries and heirs

• To provide credible evidence that the will wasn’t revoked

• To potentially track down the original witnesses (if possible) to confirm the will’s execution and contents

That’s a lot of hoops to jump through, especially during a time that’s already emotionally and legally difficult for your loved ones.

Protecting Your Legacy: Keep the Original Safe

Napoleon’s original will is preserved under lock and key. The copy? Interesting, yes—but not legally useful for the administration of an estate.

We recommend storing your original will:

• In a fireproof, waterproof safe at home

• Or filed with the local Clerk of Court in some Florida counties

Bonus Tip: Keep It Updated

Life changes and so should your estate plan. Whether you’ve moved to Florida, experienced a major life event, or simply haven’t looked at your documents in a while, it’s a good idea to revisit your plan every few years to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Let Us Help You Plan with Confidence

At The Soto Law Office, we specialize in creating clear, legally sound estate plans that help protect your legacy and make life easier for your loved ones. Whether you're drafting your first will or reviewing an existing one, we’re here to help every step of the way.

📞 Call us at (321) 972-2279 or visit us online at www.TheSotoLawOffice.com to schedule your consultation.