This template is a document retention policy that can be used to manage the handling, storage, maintenance, and destruction of corporate records in the ordinary course of a company's business. It includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and an optional clause. A document retention policy describes the records that a company's employees should keep, sets forth the length of time for which documents should be retained, includes instructions for where and how to keep different files, and describes the types of files the company should not retain at all. The policy should specifically provide for regular review of files to determine whether the company should retain or destroy particular documents. Finally, the policy must provide for the retention of all documents relating to claims or litigation against the company or subject to a court order. This policy does not include any federal or state law nuances, such as mandatory retention periods for certain types of corporate records. Be ...