Make It Legal: Sign Your Will Properly

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How to Sign and Finalise Your Will in England and Wales

Your will isn’t legally valid until it’s properly signed and witnessed. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your final wishes are legally binding.

Why Signing Matters

A will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever complete. But here’s the catch: until it’s signed and witnessed correctly, it holds no legal power. In England and Wales, strict rules under the Wills Act 1837 determine what makes a will valid. Get the signing wrong, and your estate may not go to the people you intended.

What You Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A printed version of your final will – the one you reviewed and confirmed.
• Two independent adult witnesses – they must be over 18 and not benefit from the will.
• A blue or black pen – use ink, never pencil.
• A quiet space where everyone can see what’s going on.

Tip: Let your witnesses know ahead of time so you’re not rushing on the day.

Choosing the Right Witnesses

This step is crucial. If the wrong people witness your will, parts of it may be void.

Your witnesses must NOT be:

• Named as beneficiaries in the will.
• Married to or in a civil partnership with a beneficiary.
• Under 18 years old.
• Unable to see or understand the act of witnessing.

Instead, ask friends, neighbours, or colleagues who are not named in the will.

Step-by-Step: How to Sign Your Will

1. Get together in the same room with both witnesses. Everyone must be able to clearly see the signing take place.
2. Say clearly: “This is my will and I am signing it freely.” This shows you’re doing it willingly.
3. Sign the will where indicated. Include the full date (e.g., "14 May 2025"). If you can’t write your name, a simple mark like an "X" is accepted.
4. First witness signs below your signature. They should add their full name, address, and occupation if possible.
5. Second witness does the same.
6. Double-check everything: No extra notes, no blank pages after the signature, and no changes after signing.

What If You Can’t Sign It Yourself?

You can ask someone else to sign for you, but it must be:

• At your explicit direction.
• In your presence.
• Witnessed by the same two independent people.

Add a clear note stating who signed and why.

Can You Sign Over Video?

Not anymore. During the pandemic, remote witnessing was temporarily allowed, but this rule ended on 31 January 2024. Now, the law requires in-person signing.

Storing Your Signed Will

Once it’s signed:

• Keep the original in a safe, dry place – never staple extra pages.
• Use a labelled envelope: "Original Will – Do Not Destroy".
• Store it at home, with your solicitor, or in a bank’s safe deposit.
• Tell your executors where it is and consider giving them a copy.

Changing Your Will Later

Don’t write on the original.

To make changes:

• Write a new will and sign it again with witnesses.
• Or create a codicil – a short amendment that follows the same signing rules.

Destroy old versions only once the new one is properly signed and stored.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Only using one witness.
2. Letting a beneficiary (or their spouse) witness the will.
3. Signing in pencil.
4. Writing extra notes after signing.
5. Losing the original copy.

Final Thoughts

This one step is the bridge between your intentions and the law recognising them. Take your time, follow the process, and protect your loved ones with confidence.

Need help? Our team is here to guide you. And remember: once your will is signed and stored safely, you can rest easier knowing it’s finally finished.