How to Write a Will in the UK: A Simple, Practical Guide

How to Write a Will in the UK: A Simple, Practical Guide

Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. Yet around 60% of adults in the UK don't have one. If you die without a will — known as dying "intestate" — the law decides who inherits your estate, and the outcome may not match your wishes at all.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about making a will in the UK, in plain English.

Why You Need a Will

Without a will, the intestacy rules decide who gets what. That can mean:

• Your unmarried partner gets nothing, regardless of how long you've been together
• Your estate is split in ways you wouldn't have chosen
• Guardianship of your children may need to be decided by a court
• The process of sorting your affairs takes longer and costs more

A will puts you in control. It's not about wealth — it's about clarity.

What Makes a Will Legally Valid in England and Wales

For a will to be valid, it must meet a few simple requirements:

• You must be 18 or over (with very limited exceptions)
• You must be of sound mind — you understand what you're doing and what you own
• It must be in writing — handwritten or typed
• You must sign it in the presence of two witnesses
• Both witnesses must also sign it — and they cannot be beneficiaries or the spouse of a beneficiary

If any of these steps are missed, the entire will can be challenged or declared invalid. Scotland and Northern Ireland have slightly different rules — if you live there, it's worth checking the specifics.

What to Include in Your Will

A good will covers the following:

Section	What It Means
Personal details	Your full name, address, and date of birth
Executor(s)	The person or people responsible for carrying out your wishes
Beneficiaries	Who inherits what — people, charities, or organisations
Specific gifts	Individual items you want to leave to named people
Residuary estate	Everything left over after debts, costs, and specific gifts
Guardianship	Who should care for your children if both parents die
Funeral wishes	Optional, but helpful for your family

You should also think about what happens if a beneficiary dies before you. A good will includes "substitution" clauses for exactly this situation.

How to Actually Write Your Will

You have several options:

1. Use a Solicitor

This is the most reliable route. A solicitor will make sure your will is correctly drafted, legally valid, and covers anything unusual — like business assets, overseas property, or blended families.

Cost: Typically £150–500 for a straightforward will. More complex estates may cost more.

2. Use a Professional Will Writer

Will writers are often cheaper than solicitors, but they are not currently regulated in the same way. If you go this route, look for membership of the Institute of Professional Willwriters or the Society of Will Writers.

Cost: Usually £100–300.

3. Write It Yourself

You can write your own will using a template or will-writing kit. This is the cheapest option, but carries the highest risk of errors. A small mistake — like a witness who is also a beneficiary — can invalidate the entire document.

Cost: Free to around £30 for a kit.

4. Use a Charity Will Scheme

Many charities offer free will-writing services during campaigns like Free Wills Month (usually March and October). A solicitor writes your will at no cost, and you're invited — but not obligated — to leave a gift to the charity.

Choosing Your Executor

Your executor is the person who will manage your estate after you die. This includes applying for probate, paying debts, and distributing assets.

Choose someone you trust who is organised and willing to take on the role. Many people choose a close family member, a friend, or a solicitor. You can appoint more than one executor.

Being an executor is a bigger job than most people expect, so it's worth having a conversation with your chosen person before naming them.

Storing Your Will Safely

Once your will is signed and witnessed, keep it somewhere safe and make sure your executor knows where it is. Options include:

• At home in a fireproof safe or secure location
• With your solicitor — most will hold the original at no charge
• The Probate Service — you can deposit your will for a small fee
• A will storage service — companies that specialise in secure document storage

Never store your only copy somewhere that could be difficult to access after your death — like a safety deposit box that requires your signature to open.

Updating Your Will

Life changes, and your will should change with it. Review your will after any major event:

• Marriage or civil partnership (which automatically revokes an existing will in England and Wales)
• Divorce or separation
• Birth of a child or grandchild
• Buying or selling property
• A significant change in your finances
• The death of a beneficiary or executor

You can update a will with a "codicil" for minor changes, or write a new will entirely for bigger ones. Always destroy old versions to avoid confusion.

What Happens If You Don't Make a Will

If you die intestate, your estate is distributed according to a rigid legal formula. Your spouse or civil partner may not inherit everything. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends get nothing unless they make a legal claim.

The process takes longer, costs more, and creates stress at the worst possible time. At GetPassage, we see the difference a clear will makes — families with one spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting each other.

Key Takeaways

• A valid will needs to be written, signed by you, and witnessed by two people
• You can use a solicitor, a will writer, or write it yourself — but professional help reduces risk
• Name an executor you trust, and tell them where your will is stored
• Review and update your will whenever your circumstances change
• Dying without a will makes everything harder for the people you leave behind

Writing a will isn't about being morbid. It's about being kind. It takes an afternoon, and it could save your family months of difficulty.