Can I create my own legally valid Will?

(UK Version)

The simple answer is yes! If you don’t have a complicated estate and just want to have something written down should the worst happen, follow this document to create yours now.

What is Required ?

  • You must be 18 or older

  • You must have the mental capacity to understand what you’re signing

  • The will must be in writing

  • You must sign it voluntarily

  • Two competent witnesses must watch you sign it

  • The witnesses must sign it in your presence

A Few Important Things People Often Miss

  • Every page should be signed or initialled

  • Witnesses should NOT inherit anything

  • The witnesses have to witness at the time the individual signs

So don’t use your spouse, your children or anyone receiving assets in the will.

Best witnesses:

  • neighbours

  • colleagues

  • friends with no benefit under the will

Your Executor Should Ideally Accept Beforehand

An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will after you die. You can nominate almost anyone, but:

  • They can refuse later

  • Being an executor can be a lot of work

Especially with property, business assets, tax, or international estates.

Include wording like: ‘I revoke all previous wills and codicils,’ otherwise old documents can create chaos

You Should Revoke Previous Wills

In England:

  • Marriage or civil partnership usually automatically revokes an existing will unless the will was specifically written ‘in contemplation of marriage’

  • Divorce has a special 3-month rule where an ex-spouse may still inherit if you don’t update your will

Marriage Changes Things

In England:

Divorce does not automatically revoke a will. Instead:

  • The ex-spouse is treated as though they died before you

  • The rest of the will may still operate

Divorce Changes Things

Crossing things out or adding names later can invalidate changes unless properly re-executed and witnessed. This includes tiny handwritten amendments.

Alterations After Signing Are Risky

‘My bank account’ is vague if you have five so specificity helps. 

  • Full names

  • ID numbers

  • Property descriptions

  • Percentages/shares

Assets Need To Be Identifiable

If you have minor children, this is one of the most important sections people forget.

Guardianship for Children

A perfectly valid will is useless if nobody can find it. A huge benefit of Bequeath is that you can still store your physical will, but you can upload a digital copy of the will and make a note on the upload where the physical one is kept. In England, probate courts usually want the original signed document.

A simple self-written will can absolutely be valid in England for simple estates - just remember execution formalities matter enormously. Professional advice becomes valuable if you have:

  • Businesses

  • Overseas assets

  • Blended families

  • Trusts

  • Inheritance tax planning

  • Vulnerable beneficiaries

  • Property in multiple countries

Storage Matters More Than People Think