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Signing Your Will

How to sign your will — the rules where you live

The signing requirements for a will differ across the UK. Select your location below to find the correct guidance. Following the wrong rules — even in good faith — means your will may have no legal validity.
the will place

This matters. A will that is not signed and witnessed correctly has no legal validity — regardless of how clearly it records your wishes. The rules differ depending on where you live. Please select your location below.

Choose your jurisdiction

Where do you live?

Select your location to find the correct signing instructions for your will. The rules are different across the UK — make sure you follow the right ones for where you are.

01

Jurisdiction

England & Wales

Wills in England and Wales require two independent witnesses, all present at the same time. Governed by the Wills Act 1837.


Two witnesses — both present simultaneouslyWitnesses aged  18 or over
Witnesses must  not be beneficiaries
All three sign  in each other’s presence

View England & Wales guide →

02

Jurisdiction — distinct rules

Scotland

Scotland has its own distinct legal system and its own rules for wills — different from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. One witness is required and you must sign every page.


One independent witness requiredWitness aged   16 or over
Sign  not be beneficiaries of your will
Coverment by  Scottish law

View Scotland guide →

03

Jurisdiction

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland follows rules very similar to England and Wales — two witnesses, all present simultaneously. Governed by the Wills Act 1837 as it applies in Northern Ireland.


Two witnesses — both present simultaneouslyWitnesses aged  18 or over
Witnesses must  not be beneficiaries
All three sign  in each other’s presence

View Northern Ireland guide →
Why This Matters

A correctly signed will is a legally binding will.

A will can be perfectly written and still have no legal effect if the signing process is not carried out correctly. Courts take these requirements seriously — and there is very little room for correction after the fact.
Following the right guidance for where you live removes all uncertainty. We include jurisdiction-specific signing instructions with every will we produce.

Your will has no effect until correctly signed

A completed, unsigned will cannot be acted upon. Correct signing is what makes it legally binding.

The rules differ across the UK

Scotland, England & Wales, and Northern Ireland each have distinct legal requirements. Make sure you follow the right ones.

We include full signing instructions with every will

Every will we produce comes with clear, step-by-step instructions specific to your jurisdiction.

Haven’t made your will yet?

Start online from £99 — guided step by step, professionally reviewed, with full signing instructions for where you live.
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