How Do You Write a Will and Testament in the UK? Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

1. Writing a will and testament in the UK is vital to ensure your wishes are followed exactly as intended after your death.
2. For your will to be legally valid, you must be over 18, sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses, and give clear instructions for the distribution of your assets.
3. A revocation clause should be included in every will to prevent confusion, ensuring all previous wills and codicils are cancelled.
4. If you miss the correct witnessing requirements, your will could be invalid, leading to family disputes and costly probate challenges.
5. Appointing trusted executors and guardians means your estate and children will be looked after according to your specific wishes.
6. List all assets carefully—including digital assets—to ensure nothing is lost or causes problems for loved ones.
7. Update your will after any major life change (like marriage, divorce, or new children) to keep everything clear and enforceable.
8. Store your will securely and inform someone you trust where it’s kept to avoid it being lost or overlooked.
9. Go-Legal AI offers step-by-step support, lawyer-reviewed templates, and instant checks for anyone writing a will and testament in the UK.
10. Go-Legal AI is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 170+ five-star reviews from real users.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Write a Will and Testament Legally in the UK?

If you want your assets distributed as you wish, a legally sound will is essential. Many people discover too late that unclear or incomplete wills create disputes, delays, and sometimes loss of control over important decisions. Without a valid will, your loved ones may face probate stress, family fall-outs, or even lose out on their expected inheritance.

Here’s how to write a will and testament in the UK, step by step. We’ll cover the required legal elements, key clauses (including for digital assets), witnessing rules, and the practical strategies that help ensure your wishes are carried out—without confusion or challenge.

Confidently write your will with our lawyer-drafted templates and expert support at Go-Legal AI. Take control of your legacy—start your will in just minutes using our trusted tools.

How Do You Write a Will and Testament in the UK?

To ensure your will is valid and enforceable under UK law, you need to:

• Meet the minimum legal requirements for your will to be recognised.
• Include all necessary information and clauses.
• Properly sign and witness the document.

Whether you’re planning for your family or protecting business interests, Go-Legal AI’s guided, lawyer-reviewed templates make will drafting straightforward and stress-free.

What Is a Will and Why Is It Important for Your UK Estate?

A will (or “last will and testament”) is a legally binding document that sets out how you want your money, property, savings, digital accounts, and other possessions (your estate) to be handled after you die. It allows you to:

• Specify your beneficiaries (who inherits what).
• Appoint executors (people you trust to carry out your instructions).
• Make arrangements for dependants and underage children.

If you pass away without a will, strict intestacy laws dictate who receives your estate—often leading to lengthy delays, higher costs, and missed intentions. For many families and company founders, this means the wrong person could inherit, or critical business interests could be exposed.

A proper will ensures your wishes are respected, your family’s needs are protected, and your legacy—personal and commercial—remains secure.

What Are the Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in the UK?

To create a will that stands up in court, you must ensure it meets these criteria:

1. You are 18 years or older. (16 for active-duty service personnel.)
2. You’re of “sound mind.” You must fully understand the impact of making a will.
3. No undue influence. The will must be made voluntarily, free from pressure.
4. The will is in writing. It can be handwritten or typed but must exist in physical form.
5. You sign the will. This demonstrates intent for it to be your will.
6. Signed in the presence of two independent witnesses. Both must be present together when you sign and must also sign the will themselves.
7. Witnesses must not be beneficiaries or the spouse/civil partner of a beneficiary.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Legally Binding Will

Follow these steps to ensure your will is thorough and legally enforceable:

1. List your assets: Include property, savings, pensions, business shares, digital assets, valuables, and anything of sentimental value.
2. Choose your beneficiaries: Think carefully about who you want to inherit your assets—family, friends, charities, or business partners.
3. Appoint executors: Select at least one (maximum four) people you trust to carry out your wishes and deal with your estate.
4. Decide on guardians: If you have children under 18, name guardians to look after their welfare.
5. Draft your will in clear written form: Use our lawyer-reviewed DIY will template for the UK or our AI-driven tool for tailored guidance.
6. Insert all key clauses: See essential clauses listed further below.
7. Review the will for clarity and accuracy: Ensure all intentions are clear and nothing is left open to interpretation.
8. Sign your will in front of two independent witnesses: They must watch you sign and then sign immediately after, in your presence.
9. Store the original will safely: Let your executors know where to find it.

Use our step-by-step AI template builder for a compliant, up-to-date draft or upload your existing will for instant checking.

What Details Must You Include in Your Will?

Every valid will should state:

• Your full name, address, and date of birth.
• A statement declaring the document as your final will and testament.
• A revocation clause (cancelling prior wills).
• Executor(s) and, if needed, guardian names and addresses.
• Exact details of all gifts, legacies, and bequests (including digital and business assets).
• A residuary clause (who gets “the residue” not specifically mentioned elsewhere).
• Any personal funeral wishes.
• Your signature and the date.
• Full details and signatures of both independent witnesses.

Who Can Witness a Will in the UK? Key Rules

Strict rules apply to who may witness your will to keep it valid:

• Each witness must be at least 18, with full mental capacity.
• Witnesses cannot be named beneficiaries or people married to/civil partners of a beneficiary.
• Both witnesses must be present together at the moment of signing.
• Executors can witness, but only if they don’t benefit under the will.

Both witnesses sign, print their name, and give their address in your presence.

Essential Clauses for an Effective Will and Testament in the UK

Failing to include required clauses can result in ambiguity or legal challenges to your will’s validity. Every well-drafted will should contain:

Choosing Executors and Guardians: How to Make the Right Appointments

Selecting the right executor(s) is essential—they will deal with banks, government, debts, and your beneficiaries, so reliability is crucial. Maximum of four executors can act at once. You may prefer a trusted friend, family member, professional adviser, or a mix.

For guardians, choose someone with the willingness and ability to raise your children long-term. Discuss the role with them beforehand.

Executor and Guardian Checklist:

• Are they over 18 and fully capable?
• Do they understand your family, business, and personal needs?
• Can they be trusted with confidential paperwork and finances?
• Are they likely to outlive you (especially as long-term guardians)?
• Is there any risk of personal conflict among those chosen?

Listing and Distributing Your Assets: Don’t Overlook Digital Accounts

Your will needs to cover all significant categories of assets, including:

• Property: Houses, flats, land, or commercial premises.
• Business shares: Ownership stakes in private companies or partnerships.
• Savings & investments: Bank accounts, ISAs, investment portfolios.
• Personal belongings: Jewellery, cars, art, sentimental items.
• Digital assets: Online bank accounts, cloud storage, cryptocurrencies, social media, paid domains.

Allocate each asset precisely. Use percentages or “shares” if dividing between several people.

Common Mistakes That Invalidate Wills—and How to Avoid Them

Simple errors can cause big problems for families and businesses. Below are frequent mistakes and actions to prevent them:

Need a quick compliance check? Use our AI-powered Will Checkup tool for instant feedback and peace of mind.

Updating, Storing, and Registering Your Will in the UK

Updating Your Will:
When your life or assets change—whether you marry, divorce, have children, or buy/sell property—you must update your will. Make a new will (with a revocation clause), or use a codicil for minor updates. Ensure everything is signed and properly witnessed.

Registering Your Will:
Registration with the Probate Registry or a private storage service is optional, but can help executors find your will swiftly. However, registration never makes your will public until after your death.

Safe Storage:
Keep your signed will in a secure, fireproof place—a home safe, a secure digital vault, or with a trusted lawyer. Avoid paperclips or staples, as damage may cast doubts on authenticity. Always let your executors know where to find it.

How Go-Legal AI Makes Writing Your Will Effortless

Writing a will doesn’t need to be time-consuming or confusing. With Go-Legal AI, you can:

• Access lawyer-reviewed will templates, tailored for any UK family or business arrangement.
• Get an instant AI-powered review—spotting errors and omissions before you sign.
• Store, update, and share your will securely through our encrypted online vault.
• Easily include digital assets, business shares, trusts, and specific legacies.

Choose our template builder for step-by-step assistance or upload your existing document for immediate legal checks, corrections, and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my own will without a solicitor in the UK?

Yes, you may write your own will as long as you meet legal requirements: it must be written, signed, and properly witnessed. Using a comprehensive template and document builder, like ours, helps ensure you include the right clauses and avoid costly mistakes.

Who can and cannot witness a will in the UK?

Independent adults aged 18 or over can witness your will if they are not beneficiaries (and not married to/civil partners of beneficiaries). Executors may witness, but if they are also beneficiaries, they lose any gifts left to them under the will.

Do I need to register my will with a solicitor or the Probate Registry?

Registration is not required for validity. However, you can store your will with the Probate Registry or a secure digital provider for extra protection against loss. Only after your death does your will become public.

How do I include digital assets and online accounts?

Clearly list digital property (social media, crypto wallets, cloud files) in your will and appoint a trusted executor with instructions. For privacy, keep passwords in a separate secure document, referenced in your will.

What happens if I die without a will in the UK?

If you die “intestate,” the law decides who inherits. Your spouse, children, or closest blood relatives may receive everything—leaving unmarried partners, friends, or charities with nothing. Avoid unnecessary hardship by making a valid will.

How can I update my will after marriage, divorce, or children?

Write a new will or add a codicil for minor changes (with proper witnessing). Marriage revokes an old will unless stated otherwise. Divorce does not revoke your will but treats your ex-spouse as if deceased for inheritance purposes. Update regularly to stay current.

Are online or DIY will templates legal in the UK?

Yes, electronic or DIY templates are legal provided your will is written, signed by you, and witnessed correctly. Use our expert-reviewed templates for full compliance and peace of mind.

How do I keep my will safe from loss or destruction?

Store your will in a fireproof safe, secure digital vault, or with a legal professional. Always inform your executors where it is kept, and avoid leaving the only copy in an unsafe place.

What are the duties of an executor?

Executors apply for probate, collect and value assets, pay all taxes and debts, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries. They are legally obliged to act in your estate’s and your family’s best interests.

Is my will still valid if I move abroad or buy property overseas?

Your English or Welsh will usually remains valid, but local laws may apply when you own property abroad. For complex cross-border estates, always review your will’s coverage.

Write Your UK Will with Confidence

Creating a legally valid will is one of the most important protections you can put in place for your legacy and loved ones. Cutting corners or using generic templates puts your wishes—and your family’s future—at risk. This guide has given you the critical legal steps, practical advice, and tools to secure your assets and reduce the stress of estate management.

With Go-Legal AI, making or updating your will is quick, affordable, and secure. Our expert-reviewed templates and AI-powered checks ensure your will is always up to date, legally compliant, and tailored to your personal or business needs.

Ready to protect your legacy? Start your will for free—our tools guide you smoothly to a fully valid UK will in minutes.