Does a will need to be typed, or can it be handwritten?
Either is valid in England and Wales, provided it is signed and witnessed correctly. A typed will is generally clearer and less likely to cause disputes over interpretation.
How to Make a Will in the UK | ProbateHelp
The legal requirements for a valid will, what to include, DIY vs solicitor, costs, signing and witnessing rules, and how to store your will safely.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Wills & Planning guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 16 min.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my estate to whoever I want?
Broadly yes, but there are limits. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people — including spouses, children, and financial dependants — to make a claim against the estate if they feel they have not been adequately provided for. A solicitor can advise on how to minimise this risk.
What happens if I lose my will?
If the original will cannot be found after you die, there is a legal presumption that you destroyed it intentionally — which means the estate is treated as intestate. This is why storing your will safely and registering it with the Certainty National Will Register is so important.
Can I change my will after making it?
Yes. You can add a codicil (a formal amendment) or make a new will entirely. Any changes must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the original. Never cross out or write over the original will — this can invalidate it.
Does a will cover everything I own?
Not necessarily. Assets held in joint tenancy (such as a jointly owned home) pass automatically to the surviving owner outside the will. Pension funds and life insurance policies with a named beneficiary also pass outside the will. It is worth reviewing these separately.
What is a mirror will?
Mirror wills are two separate wills made by a couple that mirror each other — typically leaving everything to the other person, and then to children on the second death. They are separate legal documents and either party can change or revoke their will at any time without the other's knowledge or consent.
Can I leave something to a charity in my will?
Yes, and there is a meaningful tax incentive to do so. If you leave at least 10% of your net estate to a qualifying charity, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest of your estate falls from 40% to 36%. You should name the charity by its full registered name and charity number to avoid any ambiguity. Gifts to charity are exempt from IHT entirely.
What happens to my pets when I die?
In law, pets are personal property — they cannot inherit from you. What you can do is name a person in your will who you want to take care of them, and leave that person a sum of money to cover the costs. You can also set up a pet trust, though these are complex and mainly used for high-value animals. If no provision is made, your executor decides what happens to your pets.
Is an online or digital will legally valid?
An online will is legally valid in England and Wales if it is printed out and signed on paper in the physical presence of two independent witnesses. Both witnesses must have a clear view when you sign, and you must have a clear view when each witness signs. The will can be drafted online, but there is no fully electronic will in England and Wales yet.
Does getting married or divorced affect my will?
Yes, significantly. Marriage or civil partnership usually revokes an existing will in England and Wales unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage or civil partnership. Divorce does not revoke a will, but gifts or appointments to your former spouse are treated as if they had died on the date of the final order. Review your will before and after either event.