This article demonstrates the correct procedure for signing your Will, in 5 short steps. It is also in video format below.
- Find two appropriate Witnesses
- Sign Your Will in the presence of both Witnesses
- Witnesses Sign in your Presence
- Date Your Will on Front and Back
- Return Your Will to your Lawyer by Tracked Mail or Store it Safely
Step 1: The first step is to find two witnesses.
- The witnesses should be at least 18 years old.
- The witnesses should be independent and not members of your family.
- The witnesses and their spouses should not benefit from your Will in any way.
You and the two witnesses must all stay together for the following steps 2, 3 and 4. You must all write using blue or black ink (including ballpoint), but not pencil.
Step 2: Sign Your Will
The second step is to sign your Will where indicated with your usual signature. You must sign your Will in the presence of both witnesses before they sign it.
Step 3: Witnesses Sign
In the third step, the witnesses both sign your Will where indicated (below your signature) with their usual signatures. The witnesses should fill in their full names, addresses and occupations below their signatures.
Step 4: Date the Will
The fourth step is to immediately write the date on which you have signed it in the spaces provided on the front and back pages of the Will.
Step 5: Return Will
The fifth and final step is to return your signed Will to your Barr Ellison lawyer by tracked delivery. Please ensure that the Will is kept unmarked and, in particular, that nothing is attached to it. For example, do not attach a covering letter to the Will with a paperclip, staple or otherwise.
Thank you for being a client of Barr Ellison Solicitors.
By Francis Durrant, Head of the Wills, Trusts & Estates team at Cambridge solicitors Barr Ellison
Disclaimer: While we do all that is possible in terms of ensuring its accuracy, this blog contains general information only. Nothing in these pages constitutes legal advice. You need to consult a suitably qualified lawyer from the firm on any specific legal problem or matter.
Other Wills & Probate Articles
HMRC Self Assessment: Deadlines for Online Tax Returns
Your HMRC self assessment online tax return deadlines - a brief overview how it works each year.
How to Sign a Will
Five Steps to Signing a Will - giving reassurance that everything will be in order for our loved ones when we pass on.
Practical matters when arranging probate
Some of the more important actions to be taken during the period after someone has died as a pre-cursor to probate.
What is the new Residence Nil Rate Band?
The introduction of the new Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) began in April 2017 and is ongoing. It is an additional inheritance tax allowance ...
Your Wealth, Your Future
Our Family Law and Trusts & Estates teams joined forces with Rathbones Cambridge during November to provide a wealth management seminar for our clients and partners.
Deputyships vs Lasting Powers of Attorney
You can apply for a deputyship for someone if they ‘lack mental capacity’. A lasting power of attorney is a way of giving someone suitable whom you trust the legal authority to make decisions on [...]
Contesting a Will on behalf of Minor Children
In the recent case of Ubbi v Ubbi 2018, the High Court has given useful guidance with regard to how the Section 3 factors under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 should [...]
Power of Attorney – Court fee refunds
Some applicants for Powers of Attorney may be due a small refund ...