Can I write my own will?
Yes. You can legally write your own will in England and Wales without a solicitor. To be valid it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent people present at the same time. Homemade wills are valid but error-prone — incorrect signing, unclear wording, or using a beneficiary as a witness can defeat your wishes after death.
Detailed explanation
The law does not require a will to be drawn up by a solicitor. Under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837, any will — typed, printed or handwritten — is valid if four conditions are met:
- It is in writing.
- It is signed by you (the testator), or by someone in your presence and at your direction.
- You intended your signature to give effect to the will.
- Your signature is made or acknowledged in front of two witnesses present at the same time, who then each sign in your presence.
Your witnesses must be over 18 and independent. Crucially, a witness — or the spouse or civil partner of a witness — must not be a beneficiary, or they lose their gift under section 15 of the Act. Electronic signatures are not currently accepted for wills in England and Wales; a signed paper original is required.
DIY and online will kits are perfectly legal, but the savings can be false economy. Common failures include vague gifts, no named substitute beneficiary, no residuary clause (leaving part of the estate undealt with), failure to appoint executors, and improper witnessing. These mistakes usually surface only after death, when nothing can be corrected. Professional advice is worthwhile for blended families, business assets, trusts, property abroad, or inheritance-tax planning.
Raj downloads a will template and signs it at his kitchen table with his brother and his brother's wife as witnesses. He leaves £5,000 to his brother. The will is valid — but because his brother witnessed it, section 15 cancels the £5,000 gift to him. Had two neighbours witnessed it instead, the gift would have stood.
Sources
- Wills Act 1837, sections 9 and 15 — legislation.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Make 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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