Will preparation checklist
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Turn the decisions behind a will into a practical preparation plan. Choose the relevant circumstances, mark each task and print or download a copy. This checklist does not create a will or replace individual legal advice.
Make a plan you can follow
Choose the relevant details, tick off each task and keep a copy. No names, account numbers or documents are needed.
England and Wales. This helps you prepare your decisions; it does not draft a will or certify that a will is valid. Your choices stay on this page and are cleared on reload. Download or print before leaving. Guidance links open in a new tab to keep this checklist open.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 10 tasks marked donePrepare your decisions
Discuss trusts, business assets, family disputes, capacity concerns or other complex circumstances with a suitably qualified adviser. A checklist cannot decide what legal wording you need.
Read the will-writing guide (opens in a new tab) ↗List bank accounts, investments, valuable belongings and liabilities in your own secure notes. Do not put account numbers or passwords into this checklist.
Consider specific gifts, the remainder after debts and expenses, and substitutes if someone dies before you. Check that any percentage shares add up to 100.
Check that they understand the responsibilities, are willing to act and know where to find the documents. Think about substitutes.
Ask each provider how death benefits are decided. Do not assume a will controls every pension, insurance policy or jointly owned asset.
Prepare your document
Check jurisdiction, eligibility, individual review, changes, printing, storage and any executor or probate fees. A document-preparation service and individual legal advice have different scopes.
Check names, gifts, percentages, substitutes and your instructions. Resolve anything you do not understand before signing; seek advice where necessary.
Finish and store it
Arrange two suitable adult witnesses and follow the signing instructions. Beneficiaries and their spouses or civil partners should not witness gifts to them. Downloading a draft does not complete the signing.
Official will guidance and regional links (opens in a new tab) ↗Choose somewhere secure and accessible when needed. Keep the original complete. Registration of its location and storage of the physical original are different services.
Review after major changes to family, assets or circumstances. Get advice before altering a signed will, or if marriage, civil partnership or divorce changes your position.
How it works
- Choose the relevant jurisdiction and include any children, property or overseas connections.
- Work through the preparation, drafting and completion tasks. Use the guide links where you need more detail.
- Download the checklist as a text file, or print it and use your browser's Save as PDF option. Completion marks do not persist after reloading the page.
Common questions
- Can I use this checklist without buying a will?
- Yes. The checklist is free and can help you prepare for DIY drafting, an online service or a solicitor appointment. GOV.UK explains the available routes.
- Does ticking all the boxes make my will valid?
- No. You still need an appropriate document and must complete the required signing and witnessing. The ticks record your own progress, not a legal check.
- When might SwiftWill be suitable?
- For straightforward England and Wales circumstances, you can check SwiftWill's current service and eligibility*. It prepares a document from your instructions without individual solicitor review. Money Guide and SwiftWill share the same operator.
- Are my choices saved or sent anywhere?
- The tool keeps your selections only in the current browser page. Download or print your checklist to keep it. No selections are submitted to a server by this tool.