How to Write a Will in the UK

Who needs a will?

If you own property, have savings, or have people who depend on you financially, you need a will. Without one, the rules of intestacy decide who inherits your estate — and those rules don't always reflect what most people would choose.

Even if your situation seems straightforward, a will lets you name guardians for your children, specify who gets what, and appoint people you trust to handle your estate. It also helps your family avoid delays, legal costs, and potential disputes.

What to include in your will

A will can be as simple or as detailed as you need. At a minimum, you should cover these key areas:

• Your personal details — full name, address, and date of birth
• Executors — the people responsible for carrying out your wishes
• Beneficiaries — who inherits your estate and in what proportions
• Guardians — who will care for your children if both parents die
• Specific gifts — particular items or amounts you want to leave to named people
• Residuary estate — what happens to everything not specifically mentioned
• Funeral wishes — optional, but helpful for your family

Choosing your executors

Your executors are the people who will manage your estate after you die. They'll collect your assets, pay any debts and taxes, and distribute your estate according to your will.

You can appoint up to four executors. Most people choose one or two trusted family members or friends. You can also appoint a professional executor — such as a solicitor or a service like Kinwise — if you prefer.

What makes a good executor?

Look for someone who is organised, trustworthy, and willing to take on the responsibility. They should be comfortable handling paperwork and making financial decisions during what can be a difficult time for the family.

Legal requirements

For a will to be legally valid in England and Wales, it must meet these requirements:

1. It must be in writing (printed or handwritten)
2. It must be signed by you (the testator)
3. Your signature must be made in the presence of two witnesses
4. Both witnesses must then sign the will in your presence
5. Witnesses must be over 18 and cannot be beneficiaries (or married to beneficiaries)

You must also have mental capacity — meaning you understand what a will is, what you own, and who might expect to benefit from your estate.

Your options for writing a will

There are several ways to create a will, each with different costs and levels of support:

Solicitor

A solicitor will draft your will for you based on a face-to-face or phone consultation. This is typically the most expensive option, ranging from £200 to £500+ for a single will.

Online will service

Services like Kinwise guide you through a structured online process, then have your will reviewed by qualified legal professionals. Costs are typically lower — from £90 to £150 — and you can complete it from home.

DIY will kit

You can buy a will template from a stationery shop or download one online for under £30. However, there's a significant risk of making errors that could invalidate your will or cause disputes.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even well-intentioned wills can fail if they contain errors. Here are the most common pitfalls:

• Not updating after marriage — marriage automatically revokes a will in England and Wales
• Using a beneficiary as a witness — this invalidates their gift
• Vague language — be specific about who gets what
• Forgetting digital assets — consider passwords, online accounts, and cryptocurrency
• Not storing it safely — your executors need to be able to find it

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a solicitor to write a will? +

No — you don't legally need a solicitor to write a will in England and Wales. However, you do need to ensure it meets the legal requirements. Kinwise is a member of the Society of Will Writers, so your will is professionally prepared and legally valid — at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor.

How often should I update my will? +

You should review your will every 3–5 years or after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, having children, or significant changes in your assets. Remember: marriage automatically revokes a will in England and Wales.

Can I write my will online? +

Yes. Online will-writing services like Kinwise guide you through a structured process to create a legally valid will. Your will is then reviewed by qualified legal professionals before being finalised, giving you peace of mind.

What makes a will legally valid in England and Wales? +

A will must be in writing, signed by the person making it (the testator), and witnessed by two independent witnesses who are both present when the testator signs. Witnesses and their spouses cannot be beneficiaries of the will.