Can I write my own will in the UK?
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In short: Yes — a will is legally valid in England and Wales if you are 18+, of sound mind, sign it in front of two adult witnesses (who are not beneficiaries or married to a beneficiary), and both witnesses sign in your presence.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
DIY wills are legal but error-prone. The most common reasons home-made wills fail are: incorrect witnessing (witnesses not present together, or a beneficiary witnessing), ambiguous wording about who gets what, missing residuary clauses, and out-of-date beneficiaries after a marriage or divorce.
Marriage automatically revokes an existing will in England and Wales unless it is made 'in contemplation of' that marriage. Divorce does not revoke the will but treats an ex-spouse as if they had died before you.
Will writing is not reserved to solicitors. A quick low-cost route for a simple England and Wales estate is to [make a will online](swiftwill.co.uk*) from around £35 (PDF you print and witness yourself) — see also [is an online will legal](swiftwill.co.uk/is-an-online-will-legal*). Solicitor-backed platforms often start nearer £90. Charity campaigns such as Free Wills Month and Will Aid can also reduce the cost.
Primary source: gov.uk/make-will
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