Is a will written without a solicitor legal?

Yes, provided it is in writing, signed by you with mental capacity and intention, and witnessed by two people present at the same time who are not beneficiaries. Getting the witnessing wrong is the most common reason DIY wills fail.

When should I use a solicitor for my will?

Use a solicitor when your situation is complex: trusts, business or foreign assets, a blended family, inheritance-tax planning, or a realistic risk that the will could be contested.

Do I need a solicitor to make a will?

Q: Do I need a solicitor to make a will?

No. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor in England and Wales. A will is valid if it meets the Wills Act 1837 rules. A solicitor or guided service is recommended for complex estates, trusts, business assets, blended families or where a dispute is likely.

England & Wales · Wills

Quick answer

No. You do not legally need a solicitor to make a valid will in England and Wales — a will is valid if it meets the Wills Act 1837 rules (in writing, signed, and witnessed by two people present together). A solicitor or guided service helps you get it right, and is well worth it for complex estates, trusts, business assets or likely disputes.

Detailed explanation

The law cares about whether the will is valid and reflects your wishes, not who drafted it.

When you may not need a solicitor

Your wishes are simple — everything to a partner, then children.
Your estate is straightforward, with no trusts or business assets.
There's no inheritance-tax planning to do and no likely dispute.

A guided online service with a human review step suits many people here.

When a solicitor is worth it

Trusts (for children, vulnerable or disabled beneficiaries).
Business or agricultural assets, or foreign property.
Second marriages and blended families with competing claims.
Inheritance-tax planning, or a real risk the will could be challenged.

Whatever route you choose

Get the execution right: two independent witnesses, present at the same time, who are not beneficiaries (or married to one). This is where DIY wills most often fail.

Example scenario

A single homeowner with no children wants to leave everything to a sibling. A guided online will, properly witnessed, does the job. Her colleague — who owns a business and is on a second marriage with stepchildren — sees a solicitor instead, because the stakes and complexity are higher.

Witnessing is the trap. A beneficiary (or their spouse) must not witness the will, or that gift can fail. Independent witnesses keep your wishes safe.

What happens next?

Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
Human reviewYour answers are checked by the ClearLegacy editorial team for completeness.
Receive your documentsYour will and supporting paperwork are produced, ready to print.
Sign correctlyClear instructions on signing and witnessing so the will is legally valid.
Protect your familyYour wishes are recorded and your loved ones are spared the intestacy default.

Sources

Wills Act 1837, section 9 (valid execution) — legislation.gov.uk
GOV.UK — Making a will
Citizens Advice — Wills

Reviewed by: ClearLegacy editorial team
Last reviewed: June 2026
Next review: December 2026
Jurisdiction: England & Wales

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