Need a will today? Your urgent UK will-writing guide
Yes, you can make a will today. A UK will is legally valid the moment it is correctly signed and witnessed — there is no waiting period. Write a guided online will (ClearLegacy walks you through it), print it, and sign it with two independent witnesses present together. This guide covers validity, executors, witnessing, common mistakes, and when an online will isn't enough.
Everything you need to make a will today
Can you make a will today?
Yes. Nothing in England & Wales law makes you wait. A will becomes valid as soon as it is correctly signed and witnessed, so you can start now and have a valid will the same day.
What makes a will valid?
Under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837, the will must be in writing, made by someone 18+ with mental capacity and intention, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent people present at the same time. Witnesses must not be beneficiaries (or married to one).
How ClearLegacy helps
ClearLegacy guides you through the decisions that matter — executors, guardians, gifts and the residue — with a human review step before you sign, and clear instructions for signing correctly. It's built for England & Wales, and it's honest about when your estate is complex enough to need a solicitor.
What information you need before starting
- A rough list of your assets and debts.
- Who your executors will be (and a backup).
- Who inherits what — including a residuary beneficiary for “everything else”.
- Guardians for any children under 18.
- Two independent people who can witness your signature.
Who to choose as executor
Pick people who are trustworthy, organised and willing — often a spouse, adult child or close friend. Two is a sensible number for backup. They can also be beneficiaries. (See: what an executor does.)
Who can witness the will
Any independent adult of sound mind who is not a beneficiary (or married to one). Neighbours, friends or colleagues are fine. Both witnesses must be present together when you sign.
Common urgent will mistakes
- Witnessing errors — witnesses not present together, or a beneficiary witnessing (losing their gift).
- No residuary clause — leaving part of the estate to fall into intestacy.
- Not signing the printed copy — an unsigned or electronic-only will isn't valid.
- Forgetting guardians for young children.
When an online will may not be enough
For complex estates — business or foreign assets, trusts, blended families, inheritance-tax planning, or a likely dispute — make a valid simple will now for immediate cover, then take solicitor or STEP advice for the detail.
Facing surgery, Priya completes the ClearLegacy questionnaire in the afternoon, prints her will, and signs it that evening with two neighbours witnessing together. It's legally valid that night — and she books a solicitor review the following week for a trust she wants to add.
- 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 — Make a will
- GOV.UK — What to do when someone dies: step by step
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
Need a will? You can start right now.
ClearLegacy guides you through a valid England & Wales will online — clearly, affordably, and at your own pace.
Start your will now