How to sign your Will correctly in England and Wales

Quick answer: Your Will is not valid until it’s signed correctly by you and witnessed by two independent adults who are physically present together and then sign in your presence. Follow the formal rules exactly to avoid delays or disputes later.

Why correct signing matters

Once you have received your final Will, it must be signed and witnessed without delay. Your Will is not valid until this process is complete and must be done in accordance with the rules outlined in Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.

Although it might sound simple, failure to follow the correct procedure can lead to delays when the document is needed or your Will may even be declared invalid.

Your Will must be in writing, signed by you (or by someone else at your direction and in your presence) and your signature must be made in front of two witnesses who are physically present at the same time, with each witness also then signing the Will in your presence.

Who can be a witness

You will need two independent witnesses physically present throughout the signing, and they must:

• Be aged 18 or over

• Have mental capacity and understand they are witnessing a Will

• Be able to clearly see the act of signing (not be blind or partially sighted)

• Not be beneficiaries or the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary, as this will forfeit any inheritance they were due

Executors: An executor can act as a witness provided they are not a beneficiary, but independent witnesses are usually best.

What witnesses are confirming

Your witnesses do not need to know the exact contents of your Will. Their role is to confirm:

• That the Will belongs to you

• That the signature is not forged

• That you are not being coerced into signing

• That you have the mental capacity to understand what you are signing

Step-by-step signing checklist

• Final check: Read the entire Will to confirm it reflects your wishes.

• Gather everyone: You and both witnesses should be together in the same room with a clear line of sight.

• Your signature: Sign your usual signature on the final signature line and print the full date in words to avoid ambiguity.

• Witness signatures: Each witness signs after you, in your presence. They should also clearly print their full name and address so they may be easily identified in the event of a challenge to the Will’s validity.

• Initial pages: It’s good practice for you and both witnesses to initial each page. This is not a legal requirement but helps to prove that no pages were swapped later.

• Ink and attachments: Use blue or black ink only. Do not staple, pin, paperclip or mark the Will afterwards, as impressions can raise questions about missing pages.

• After signing: Store the original safely and tell your executors where it is.

Important updates on remote or virtual witnessing

Video-witnessing was a temporary pandemic measure that ended on 31 January 2024. You must now use in-person witnessing.

Common mistakes that cause problems

• Using a beneficiary, spouse or civil partner as a witness, which voids their gift

• Witnesses signing at different times or out of your presence

• Missing witness details, making later proof difficult

• Damaging or marking the document after signing

• Relying on video-witnessing after 31 January 2024

What to do after you sign

• Store safely: Keep the original in a safe, dry place such as a fireproof home safe or with your Will-writer. Avoid bank safety deposit boxes if executors may not be able to access them without the original grant of probate. Using professional Will storage can ensure safe custody and straightforward access for your executors.

• Tell the right people: Let your executors know where the original is kept and how to access it.

• Review regularly: Revisit your Will after major life events like marriage, divorce, moving home, or the arrival of children or grandchildren.

Changing your Will: codicils vs a new Will

Small, straightforward updates can sometimes be made with a codicil signed and witnessed in the same way as a Will. However, codicils can add complexity and increase the risk of inconsistencies or lost documents.

For most changes, especially if there are multiple updates, new beneficiaries, or revised gifts, we generally recommend making a new Will that cleanly replaces the old one. This keeps your wishes in a single, clear document and reduces the scope for dispute.

Read our complete guide to updating your Will.

How ELM Legal Services can help

We prepare professionally drafted Wills and guide you through the signing process, so your Will is valid and ready when needed.

Speak to our specialist team today for a free, no obligation, chat about how we can help.

FAQs

Can a family member witness my Will?

Yes, provided they are not a beneficiary and not the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary.

Do witnesses need to read my Will?

No. They just need to know they are witnessing your signature on a Will and see you sign.

Can my GP or a solicitor witness my Will?

Yes. Professional witnesses are often a sensible choice, especially if your estate or family circumstances are complex, but some will charge for this service.

Is initialling each page compulsory?

No, but it’s a helpful precaution to show the pages present at signing are the ones now in the Will.

Is video-witnessing still allowed?

No. It ended on 31 January 2024. You must use in-person witnessing now.