Updated 17 August 2026.
The short answer
In England and Wales, an adult can make their own Will without using a solicitor. The Will must record the person's intentions in writing and be signed correctly in the presence of two witnesses. The document must also fit the person's circumstances. Correct signatures cannot rescue unsuitable or unclear drafting.
This guide explains the ordinary legal requirements, the correct signing sequence and the situations where a self-completion Will is a poor choice.
What makes a Will legally valid in England and Wales?
For most adults, the central formalities come from section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. In practical terms:
- the Will must be in writing;
- the person making it must sign it, or acknowledge an existing signature;
- the signature must be intended to give effect to the Will;
- two witnesses must be present at the same time when the person signs or acknowledges the signature; and
- each witness must sign or acknowledge their signature in the presence of the person making the Will.
These rules look simple. Most avoidable mistakes happen because people improvise the signing ceremony, use an interested witness or edit the document after it has been signed.
Who can make a Will?
The ordinary minimum age is 18. The person must also understand that they are making a Will, the broad extent of what they own and the claims of the people who might reasonably expect consideration.
If there is any real concern about dementia, serious illness, medication, cognitive impairment, coercion or pressure from another person, do not rely on a standard template. Use a solicitor and consider whether medical evidence should be obtained. Capacity problems tend to emerge after death, when the person who could explain the decision is no longer available.
Does a Will need to be written by a solicitor?
No. English and Welsh law does not require every Will to be drafted by a solicitor. A carefully designed template can be a practical option for a genuinely straightforward estate.
The real question is suitability. A person with one home, ordinary savings, adult beneficiaries and simple wishes is in a different position from someone with a business, overseas property, a blended family or a dependant they intend to exclude.
Validity is not the same as suitability
A perfectly witnessed document can still create uncertainty, omit an important beneficiary or fail to deal with an asset as intended. Use the correct document for the family and estate, not merely one with signature lines.
How to sign a Will correctly
1. Finish the document first
Replace every placeholder, remove unused optional clauses and rows, check all names and addresses, and confirm that percentage shares total exactly 100%. Do not sign a working draft.
2. Print the complete Will
Use clean A4 paper and print single-sided. Put every page in the correct order. If the execution page asks for the total number of pages, enter it before signing.
3. Choose two independent adult witnesses
Use two adults who are not beneficiaries and are not married to, or in a civil partnership with, a beneficiary. They should be capable of understanding that they are witnessing a signature.
For the detailed witness rules, read Who Can Witness a Will in England and Wales?
4. Gather together
The person making the Will and both witnesses should be physically together with a clear view of the signing. Both witnesses must be present at the same time when the Will is signed or the signature is acknowledged.
5. The person making the Will signs first
Sign the execution block while both witnesses watch. Add the date in the space provided. Do not sign in advance.
6. Each witness signs
Each witness signs while the person making the Will remains present and able to see the act of signing. Each witness should add their full name, address, postcode and occupation.
7. Check before anyone leaves
Confirm that all three signatures and the witness details are complete and legible. Nobody should add notes, gifts or corrections elsewhere in the Will.
Can a beneficiary witness the Will?
Do not use a beneficiary as a witness. Under section 15 of the Wills Act 1837, a gift to an attesting witness, or to that witness's spouse or civil partner, will ordinarily fail. The rest of the Will may remain valid, but the intended gift can be lost.
Using two completely independent witnesses avoids a pointless and expensive argument.
Does the Will need to be notarised or registered?
No notarisation or registration step appears in the ordinary section 9 execution requirements. The original signed Will must, however, be stored safely and be capable of being found after death.
You can store it securely at home, with a solicitor or through the HM Courts and Tribunals Service Will storage service. Tell the executor where the original is held. A scan is useful for reference but is not a replacement for the original when probate is required.
What happens if you marry after making a Will?
Marriage or formation of a civil partnership will ordinarily revoke an earlier Will unless it was specifically made in contemplation of that marriage or partnership. Do not assume an older Will still works after a major relationship change.
If you are engaged, planning an imminent marriage or civil partnership, separated or divorcing, get advice. A generic single-person template is the wrong instrument.
When should you use a solicitor?
Use a solicitor practising wills and probate in England and Wales where:
- you are married, in a civil partnership, separated, divorcing or cohabiting;
- you have children, stepchildren treated as your children, or financial dependants;
- you own foreign property or have a significant connection with another jurisdiction;
- you own a farm, trading business or complex company interest;
- you want a trust, tax planning or protection for a vulnerable beneficiary;
- you intend to exclude someone who may expect financial provision;
- capacity or undue influence may be questioned; or
- the family is likely to dispute the Will.
A straightforward England and Wales Will pack
Unmarried, no children and a straightforward estate?
The Single Person Will Pack includes an editable Will, a plain-English completion guide and a signing checklist for England and Wales.
Official references
Important: This article provides general information, not legal advice. The rules and suitable drafting depend on individual circumstances.