Once a will is signed and witnessed, you cannot simply amend it by crossing things out. To change a will you make an official alteration called a codicil, which is signed and witnessed in the same way, or you write a new will that revokes the old one (gov.uk, updating your will, as at June 2026). Marriage or a new civil partnership generally revokes an earlier will in England and Wales unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage, so reviewing your will after a major life change is something many people choose to do.
This guide describes the law of England and Wales. The other UK nations differ. Scotland has its own rules, including a valid will generally needing only one witness, and legal rights that can entitle a spouse and children to a fixed share of the estate whatever the will says. Northern Ireland has a separate but broadly similar system to England and Wales, including the two-witness requirement. If your affairs cross more than one UK jurisdiction, it can be worth taking advice in each.
Can I write my own will in the UK?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor, and a will you write yourself is valid if it meets the legal conditions, being 18 or over, of sound mind, in writing, and signed before two adult witnesses who also sign. Homemade wills are generally suited to very simple estates, because errors in wording or witnessing can cause serious problems after death.
Do I need a solicitor to write a will?
Not always. Simple wills can be made without one, but a solicitor or a STEP practitioner is often involved where there are trusts, second marriages, business interests, foreign assets, or inheritance tax to consider. Where the stakes are high, many people choose professional input rather than relying on a template, because mistakes can be expensive to unpick later.
How many witnesses does a will need?
In England and Wales a will needs two witnesses, both aged 18 or over, who watch you sign and then sign it themselves in your presence (gov.uk, as at June 2026). A witness, or their husband, wife or civil partner, cannot inherit under the will. Scotland generally requires only one witness, so the rules differ across the UK.
What happens if I die without a will?
The rules of intestacy decide who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes. Unmarried partners inherit nothing under those rules. Where there is a spouse and children, the spouse receives the personal possessions, a fixed statutory legacy of £322,000, and half of the remainder, with the children sharing the rest (gov.uk, as at June 2026, subject to change). A valid will lets you set your own terms instead.
Does marriage cancel my will?
Generally, yes. In England and Wales getting married or forming a civil partnership usually revokes an earlier will, unless that will was made in contemplation of the marriage. Divorce does not automatically revoke a will, but it changes how gifts to a former spouse are treated. Because these rules can catch people out, reviewing a will after a major life event is often sensible.
How much does it cost to write a will?
Costs range widely, from a low-cost template to a bespoke solicitor-drafted will with trusts. A single figure is rarely meaningful without knowing what is involved, so comparing what is included matters. Our guide on how much a will costs looks at the typical ranges, and many providers set out fees before any work begins.
