How to sign a will properly in England and Wales

A will that isn't signed correctly may not be valid, however carefully it was written. The rules come from the Wills Act 1837 and haven't changed much since.

The rules

• The will must be in writing.
• You sign it (or someone signs on your behalf, in your presence and at your direction).
• You sign, or acknowledge your signature, in front of two witnesses who are both present at the same time.
• Each witness then signs in your presence.

Who should not be a witness

Don't use anyone who benefits from the will, or the husband, wife or civil partner of someone who benefits. The will stays valid, but that person loses their gift. Witnesses should be adults who can see you sign.

Common mistakes

• Only one witness, or witnesses signing at different times.
• A partner or beneficiary acting as witness.
• Pages stapled, unstapled and re-stapled — leave the original intact.
• Handwritten changes after signing — these need to be signed and witnessed too, or done as a new will.

Keep it safe and findable

Keep the signed original somewhere safe, and make sure your executor knows where it is. Storing a scan in your vault helps people find it — but the signed paper original is what counts.

General information about the law of England and Wales, not legal advice.