If making a will has been on your to-do list for a while, there’s no need to put it off any longer. Will writing doesn’t have to involve lengthy and expensive solicitor appointments; in fact, simple wills can be completed in minutes.
If your circumstances are relatively straightforward, the easiest way to make a will is online through a trusted provider. It’s affordable, quick, and, once signed and witnessed, legally binding. And should you need it, offline support is available.
In this brief article, we’ll cover what you need to make a will online and answer common questions to help you make an informed decision.
For advice on making a will online or offline, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the experts at MW Legal.
Making a will online
For most people writing their first will, the easiest way to make a will today is online, using a guided will-writing service backed by qualified professionals.
A good online service leads you through the process step by step, using plain English rather than legal jargon. You answer questions about your wishes, your assets and the people involved. Your will is then drafted so it is legally valid and ready to be signed and witnessed.
How to select the right online will provider
- Look for clear evidence that the will is legally valid
- There should be straightforward pricing
- Ensure you will have access to a qualified will writer if you need advice
- Seek out reviews to ensure the company is reputable and well-established
- Check for recognised credentials and professional standards, such as membership of the Society of Will Writers (SWW)
- Make sure the provider has adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance. At MW Legal, ours is set at £2.5 million per will written.
What information is required to make a valid will?
To create a valid will in England and Wales, you don’t need to dig out lots of paperwork. You don’t even need to detail your estate in detail if it’s relatively straightforward. You just need to be clear about who you want to inherit (your beneficiaries), who you want to carry out your will (your executors), along with any details of specific gifts you wish to leave.
If you’re clear on those points, you can go ahead and start making your will online.
Here’s what you’ll be asked for:
Personal details
This includes your full name, address, and confirmation that you are the person making the will. If you are completing a mirror will, you will need to enter details about both of you.
Details of beneficiaries
Your beneficiaries are the people (or organisations) who will inherit your ‘estate’, which is the sum of your money, investments, property and possessions. Your beneficiaries might include your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, children, other family members or friends.
Decide who inherits what, whether that’s an equal split or specific proportions, and be crystal clear about your intentions. Making your wishes clear in a will is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones, helping to avoid any disputes or unpleasantness down the line.
Executors’ details
Executors are the people responsible for carrying out your will after your death. This could be a trusted family member, friend, or professional. They’ll deal with paperwork, accounts, and potentially the court during probate. Many people choose one or two executors to share the responsibility.
Without a will, the court must choose an executor for your estate, which may not align with your wishes.
Guardianship information (if applicable)
If you have children under 18, this is one of the most important parts of your will. You can appoint guardians to care for your children if both parents die, giving you enormous reassurance that they will be looked after by people you trust.
Information about assets and gifts
For a simple online will, you don’t need to list your assets in detail, only your beneficiaries and executors. This keeps your will flexible if your assets or circumstances change and avoids the need for frequent updates.
You will need to specify whether you wish to leave any ‘gifts’ to individuals, say, a piece of jewellery or a fixed sum of money.
If your estate is more complex, for example, you have business interests, multiple properties or assets overseas, it’s advisable to work with a will writer or solicitor. This ensures your wishes are set out clearly and securely.
Funeral wishes (optional)
While not legally necessary or binding, you can include any funeral wishes in your will to help guide your loved ones. For example, if you’d prefer burial or cremation, or have specific requests.
Including this can be a kindness to those left behind, helping them make decisions at a difficult time.
Witness information
To make your will legally binding, it must be signed and witnessed. You’ll need to find two independent witnesses (excluding your beneficiaries or their spouses). If you are making a will online, your will is sent to you digitally but paper copies can be posted to you (for a small fee) with clear instructions for signing and witnessing them.
Don’t skip the Ts and Cs
Before ordering your online will, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully. They explain your responsibilities, confirm your legal capacity (i.e., that you are acting freely and of sound mind), and set out what the service does and doesn’t cover, helping avoid mistakes that could affect your will’s validity.
What documents do I need to make a will?
In most cases, you will not be required to upload any documents when creating a will online. However, it’s sensible to keep important documents, such as deeds, bank statements or ID, in a safe place and let your executors know where to find them to make things easier when the time comes.
Why making an online will is recommended
If your estate and wishes are straightforward, using an online service is a good option. It’s easy, affordable and quick, without compromising on legal standards.
The cost is typically far lower than face-to-face meetings with a will writer or solicitor, and you’ll have a clear idea of the cost upfront.
And, if you have any questions or concerns, you will still have access to professional advice.
When is it best to use a solicitor or professional will writer?
While online wills are ideal for many people, if you have a complicated estate, it is best to draft your will with a qualified will writer. For example, if you own property abroad, run a business, want to set up trusts, or plan to leave unequal shares that could be challenged.
It’s also sensible to consult a professional if you are unmarried partners, have stepchildren, or have complicated family relationships that might lead to disputes. A professional will writer can help reduce the risk of your wishes being misunderstood, mistakes or claims later on.
Make a legally binding will online with us today
If you’re ready to create your will, MW Legal’s online service, Will Do Online, is straightforward, safe, and backed by Society of Will Writers (SWW) membership. You can complete your will online in around 10 minutes, with expert support available whenever you need it, and confidence that everything meets legal requirements.
Ask us a question or write your will online now
“Such an easy way to do a straightforward will! I had a query, I called and Matt was so helpful and made it easy. Would definitely recommend!”
Amy Fear
Frequently asked questions – what is the easiest way to make a will?
Can I make my own will without a solicitor?
You can create your own will online without visiting a solicitor, provided it is correctly drafted, signed and witnessed. For straightforward estates, this is often the most convenient and practical option. And remember, support is available if you need guidance along the way.
Is writing a will online safe?
Security is naturally a common concern when writing an online will. Reputable online will services use secure systems to protect your data and ensure your will meets all legal requirements. As long as it’s properly signed and witnessed, an online will is just as legally valid as one prepared face-to-face.
Can I make an online will if I already have a previous will?
Yes. Making a new will online is allowed and very common. Your new will should include a clause that revokes any previous wills, meaning it replaces them once it’s properly signed and witnessed. It is advisable to revisit your will every five years or after major life events. If your earlier will was complex, it’s sensible to take advice before updating it.
How much should a simple will cost in the UK?
A simple online will usually costs far less than a traditional solicitor-drafted will. Prices are typically fixed, making it easier to budget without unexpected fees. At MW Legal, you can make a basic single will online. See our prices here.
What are the three formalities required in making a will?
To be legally valid, a will must be:
– made by someone of sound mind
– signed & dated by the person making it, and-
– signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign
Should I use a solicitor if I have property abroad?
If you own property abroad or have a complicated estate, it’s definitely advisable to speak to a qualified professional will writer before completing your will. Different countries have different laws, and professional advice can help avoid problems later.
