Signing a Will incorrectly is likely to mean that it doesn’t work. Especially during these challenging times, it is vital to get it right, so we go through the basics then suggest ways to comply with the Wills Act of 1837 when coronavirus or any other health issues cause problems. Apart from those on active service, Wills must always be in writing, and there can only be one valid Will at any point in time. The instructions for signing the Will must be followed for it to be valid – and that isn’t always easy these days!
It is not currently possible to sign a Will remotely. The person whose Will it is and the two witnesses must be able to see each other clearly throughout the process – and that does NOT include using video conferencing,
Signing a Last Will and Testament: the basic rules in England and Wales. How to Sign and Witness a Will:
Before you start gathering the two essential independent Witnesses to your Will, bear in mind that they must be genuinely independent, over 18, they don’t need to be lawyers and they cannot be blind. See 2) below for more details.
- The person whose Will it is must intend their signature to bring the Will into existence as a formal document. (No sneaking a Will in for them to sign when they don’t realise what it is!)
- There must be THREE people gathered together: the person whose Will has to be signed and two independent witnesses who must be over 18. Family members and their spouses are specifically barred, drunks should be avoided, as should anyone whose word might be doubted. Witnesses are barred from inheriting anything in the Will and should have no significant connection with anyone who might benefit so avoid children’s friends just in case. Why? Anyone in a position to benefit directly or indirectly from your Will could raise suspicion of “undue influence” and your Will ends up in Court at vast expense. A witness doesn’t need to read the Will, but they should be aware that they are witnessing one. Neighbours are often ideal witnesses. It is also preferable that the witnesses should know who you are.
- Legally, the person whose Will it is can sign it in advance of the witnessing, then acknowledge their signature in front of the two witnesses. However, this is not considered good practice, and there is usually no reason not to follow the standard procedure which is:
- The person whose Will it is must sign the Will on the last page, watched by both witnesses. The witnesses then, while all three are still together, each sign below the testators signature, and write in their full name and address, just in case there is a dispute over whether the signing was carried out properly. Some people sign every page, which is perfectly OK.
- The Will should always be dated, just to ensure there is no confusion over which Last Will and Testament is the valid one at the time of death. Paying Court and lawyers fees to sort that problem out could otherwise be very expensive.
- Wills should be stored securely, to avoid loss (sometimes deliberate by disappointed beneficiaries) or damage. We recommend our sister company, whose Peace of Mind Service we believe ticks all the boxes for your future security that can be ticked at a reasonable cost.
If you want to have a look at the Legislation, it is the Wills Act 1837 as updated.
So how to Sign a Will during Coronovirus or other problem times?
These are just suggestions, let us know if you have any more. Always remember to take necessary precautions to ensure germs are not passed on with the Will or the witnesses are not within 2 metres or are behind glass. Witnesses should ideally wear gloves and bring their own pens. Try to ensure there is a useful surface to sign on, so your signature really does look like your signature. Worst case, take a large book to rest the Will on.
- The witnesses stand outside a window, watching you sign the Will. Then you pass it out through the window, and the witnesses then sign in turn. Again, a large book could provide a flat surface.
- You drive up in your car, the witnesses look through the window to see you sign. Then you crack the window open, pass the Will out and the Witnesses sign it on the bonnet and pass it back through a slit in the window.
- One for flat dwellers. Sign the Will in a hallway, with the Witnesses at the far end (or ends if they are not together). Pop the Will down on the floor or table, retreat two metres keeping the table in sight. The witnesses then approach and sign in turn.
- Open-air witnessing. In an open space, you sign watched by the witnesses, then they in turn sign. Pop the book on a bench or on a wall to provide a flat surface.
- It is possible, but not recommended for one of the witnesses to be instructed to sign the Will on behalf of the person whose Will it is. In my opinion, this should only be used when absolutely essential as there are all sorts of ways it could go wrong – like the Will is not the correct one! It can be useful, but be very careful to ensure you get clear instructions from a professional, based on the individual situation.
- Whilst it is not ideal, the person whose Will it is can sign in advance, then confirm their signature to the two witnesses before watching them sign in turn.
If in doubt, seek professional advice from the person who wrote the Will – our comments on this page are purely generic.
To contact us, call 01323 741200 or use the form.
Jargon you are likely to come across in signing a Will:
Testator = person whose Will it is.
Executor/s = persons responsible for implementing Will after death. the Trustees are often the same people, and they are responsible for managing the estate, paying bills, paying out specific gifts and finally distribution:
Estate: = whatever the person owned and owed = assets and liabilities.
The Residuary Estate = what is left after expenses, gifts and bills have been paid out.
Beneficiary = person who will inherit something user the Will.
Above all, be safe and make sure everyone is protected against any illness which might transmit for the person whose Will it is to the witnesses or the other way round. That could mean it is safer for the witnesses to hold on to the Will temporarily.
