Writing Your Will Without a Solicitor (UK)

A straightforward will does not need a solicitor — and for many people, doing it yourself saves £150–£500. But a will is only valid if it follows strict formalities, and a small mistake can leave it meaningless. This guide covers what makes a will valid, the witnessing rules, the common errors, and when paying a professional is genuinely worth it.

1. What makes a will valid

Under the Wills Act 1837 (as amended), a will is valid if:

• You are 18 or over (or in the armed forces on active duty).
• You are of sound mind (understand what you own and who you want to benefit).
• It is in writing.
• It is signed by you (or someone at your direction, in your presence).
• It is witnessed by two independent adults who are present at the same time and also sign.

Signing and witnessing must happen together — a will signed later and posted around for signatures is invalid.

2. The witnessing rules

• Witnesses must be independent adults (18+), not beneficiaries or their spouses/civil partners.
• A beneficiary witnessing invalidates their gift (not the whole will).
• Both witnesses should be in the room together when you sign.

3. What to include

• An appointment of executors (the people who sort your estate).
• Gifts of specific items and residue (what's left after specific gifts and debts).
• Guardians for minor children.
• A revocation clause ("I revoke all previous wills") so old wills don't conflict.

4. Common mistakes that void a will

• Witnessing by a beneficiary (invalidates their gift).
• Signing without witnesses present together.
• Unclear or contradictory wording about who gets what.
• Not updating after major life events (marriage automatically revokes a will in England and Wales).

5. When to pay a solicitor

Use a professional if your estate is large or complex, you have children from a previous relationship, you own a business or overseas assets, or you want to minimise inheritance tax. Mistakes in complex wills are very costly to fix once you're gone. See our LPA guidance generator for related planning.

6. Frequently asked questions

Is a homemade will legally valid in the UK?

Yes. A will is valid if you are 18+, of sound mind, it is in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent adults who are present at the same time and also sign. No solicitor is required.

Who cannot witness my will?

A beneficiary or their spouse/civil partner cannot witness — it invalidates their gift. Witnesses must be independent adults (not named in the will) present together when you sign.

When should I use a solicitor for a will?

If your estate is large or complex, you have children from previous relationships, you own business or overseas assets, or you want to minimise inheritance tax. Mistakes in complex wills are costly to fix after death.