Who can witness my will?

Two independent adults aged 18 or over, who aren’t beneficiaries (or married to beneficiaries), must watch you sign and then sign themselves.

Why it matters

If your witnesses aren’t eligible, parts—or all—of your will may be invalid. That could mean gifts to those people fail, or the court treats the will as though it never existed, leaving your estate to be divided by intestacy rules.

Who can be a witness?

• Age: 18 or over.
• Independence: Must not benefit under your will, nor be married or in a civil partnership with someone who does.
• Presence: Both witnesses must watch you sign, then sign in your presence and each other’s.
• Capacity: Able to understand they are witnessing a will.

You can choose friends, neighbours or colleagues—just check they meet these rules.

Common mistakes

• Using beneficiaries as witnesses. If a witness benefits, their gift is void and may upset your plans.
• Witnessing remotely. All signatures must happen in the same room, at the same time.
• Unclear signing order. Witnesses signing before you, or not signing each other’s presence, risks invalidity.

Next steps

1. Try our Estate Planning Health Check to see what your will needs.
2. Complete your details in our paid online will-writing service—it guides you step by step.
3. Once you receive your will, make sure you sign it with the two required witnesses and store it safely.

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