Legal requirements for a will
The legal formalities are not glamorous, but they are where simple mistakes can create real problems. Start here before comparing online will-writing services.
The core rule
For England and Wales, GOV.UK sets out the formal validity points: the will is made voluntarily by someone 18 or over and of sound mind, is in writing, is signed in the presence of two witnesses over 18, and is signed by those witnesses in your presence.
The signing process matters because a will is only useful if it can be relied on later. A cheap online service cannot fix a document that was signed incorrectly.
Witnesses: the easy mistake
A witness, or the witness’s married partner, cannot receive anything left to them in the will. If someone who benefits from the will acts as a witness, the gift to that person can fail. Choose independent adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
When to review a will
Writing a valid will is not a one-time admin task for everyone. Major life changes can mean the old document no longer reflects what you want. Marriage, civil partnership, divorce, separation, children, property changes, a death in the family, business changes or moving assets overseas are all reasons to review the position.
What online will services can and cannot do
Online services can be useful for straightforward estates where the instructions are clear. They are less suitable where there is family conflict, doubts about capacity, pressure from relatives, tax planning, business assets, overseas property or vulnerable beneficiaries.
Source: GOV.UK legal will requirements.