The Short Answer: Yes, Online Wills Are Legal
Under the Wills Act 1837, there is no requirement for a solicitor to draft your will. The law sets out three requirements for a valid will, and none of them relate to how the will is written or who writes it.
An online will from ClearLegacy is exactly as legally binding as a will drafted by a high street solicitor — provided it is correctly signed and witnessed.
The Wills Act 1837 governs will validity in England and Wales. It requires that a will is signed by the testator, in the presence of two independent witnesses, who also sign. That is it. There is no mention of solicitors, lawyers, or specific drafting methods.
What Makes a Will Legally Valid?
A will is legally valid in England and Wales if it meets three conditions:
- The testator is 18 or over and of sound mind — you must understand what you are doing and the effect of your will.
- The will is signed by the testator — you must sign (or make your mark) in the presence of two witnesses.
- Two independent witnesses sign the will — witnesses must be present when you sign, and must then sign the will themselves. Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries.
Notice what is not on this list: there is no requirement for a solicitor, no requirement for a specific format, and no requirement that the will is drafted in a particular way. A will written on the back of a napkin could technically be valid — although we would not recommend it.
Why People Think Online Wills Are Not Legal
This is one of the most common misconceptions about wills in the UK. People assume that because solicitors have traditionally drafted wills, a solicitor must be involved for the will to be valid. This is not true.
The confusion often comes from conflating two separate things: the quality of drafting and legal validity. A poorly drafted will — whether from a solicitor or an online service — can cause problems. But the method of drafting has no bearing on whether the will is legally valid.
Online Will vs Solicitor Will: Legal Standing
Both carry identical legal weight. The difference is cost and convenience, not legal validity.
- Online will (ClearLegacy): £69, completed in 15 minutes, delivered within 24 hours. You print, sign, and witness at home.
- Solicitor will: £300–£1,000, requires office appointments, typically takes 1–3 weeks.
In both cases, the will becomes legally binding when you sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses. The drafting method is irrelevant to validity.
Can an Online Will Be Contested?
Any will can be contested, regardless of who drafted it. Solicitor-drafted wills are contested just as often as online wills. The grounds for contesting a will are the same in every case:
- The testator lacked mental capacity
- The will was not properly signed or witnessed
- The testator was under undue influence or coercion
- The will does not make reasonable financial provision for dependants (under the Inheritance Act 1975)
A properly drafted and witnessed online will is no more vulnerable to challenge than a solicitor will. What matters is the quality of drafting and correct execution — not the price you paid.
When You Might Need a Solicitor
For most people with straightforward estates, an online will covers everything you need. However, a solicitor may be appropriate if your estate involves business assets requiring succession planning, property in multiple countries, complex trust arrangements, or you anticipate the will being contested.
For naming beneficiaries, appointing executors, specifying guardians, and distributing assets — an online will is the most practical and affordable option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a solicitor to write a valid will?
No. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor. The Wills Act 1837 does not specify who must draft a will — only how it must be executed (signed and witnessed).
Is a ClearLegacy will accepted by banks and courts?
Yes. A properly executed ClearLegacy will is treated identically to a solicitor will by banks, building societies, and the Probate Registry. Legal validity depends on correct signing and witnessing, not on who drafted it.
What if my will has a mistake in it?
ClearLegacy includes one free amendment with every will. If you spot an error or your circumstances change, you can update your will at no extra cost.