How to write and sign a will in England and Wales
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In short. Prepare your wishes, choose the right level of drafting help, check the final document, then sign with two suitable adult witnesses and tell your executors where the original is kept.
This checklist covers a straightforward England and Wales will. For Scotland, Northern Ireland, overseas connections, trusts, complex families or concerns about capacity, use individual advice appropriate to your situation. Reading time and preparation vary; the one-hour estimate below excludes advice appointments and arranging witnesses.
Content updated:
What you'll need
- A private list of assets and debts
- Full names of intended beneficiaries, executors and substitutes
- The complete final will and suitable witnesses
The steps
- 01
List what you own and owe
List property, savings, investments, valuable items and debts. Note joint ownership and overseas connections. Check pensions and insurance separately with the providers rather than assuming a will controls every payment.
- 02
Decide people, gifts and backups
Decide who should inherit, who receives the residue, and what happens if a beneficiary dies before you. Ask your proposed executors and any intended guardian before naming them. Get advice about guardianship and any trust arrangements for children.
- 03
Choose a suitable drafting route
For straightforward England and Wales circumstances, consider SwiftWill* for guided automated document preparation. It does not include individual solicitor review and shares Money Guide's operator. Compare its current terms with an eligible free scheme or a solicitor quote. Complex decisions need tailored advice.
- 04
Read the complete draft before signing
Check names, gifts, substitute beneficiaries, executor appointments and the residue. Confirm percentage shares add up to 100. Ask about any clause you do not understand rather than accepting a generated document automatically.
- 05
Arrange two suitable witnesses and sign
Follow the official signing requirements. For a standard England and Wales will, sign the complete document with two adult witnesses watching; they sign that document in your presence. Avoid beneficiaries and their spouses or civil partners as witnesses.
- 06
Store the signed original and tell your executors
Choose secure, accessible storage and tell your executors where the original is kept. A private will register records the location; registration is different from physical storage. Keep a review reminder for major life changes and at least every five years.
Common pitfalls
- Treating a downloaded document as complete before signing and witnessing.
- Omitting the residue or a plan if a beneficiary dies before you.
- Assuming mirror wills protect a blended family from later changes.
- Editing a signed will by handwriting over it instead of using a properly executed change.
- Assuming a name change alone means you must buy a new will.
FAQ
- Is an online will automatically reviewed by a solicitor?
- No. Ask the service explicitly. SwiftWill provides automated document preparation, without individual solicitor review.
- Do I need to register the will?
- There is no general requirement to register a standard England and Wales will. Registration of its location is optional and separate from storing the signed original.
- What if I cannot follow the usual signing process?
- Get individual legal advice before signing if you need help signing, have sight or physical difficulties, or there are concerns about capacity or pressure from another person.