Are Online Wills Legally Valid in England?
The short answer is yes. But there is a crucial step you must not miss. Here is everything you need to know about the legality of online wills.
In the digital age, we do our banking, shopping, and even our taxes online. Yet, when it comes to writing a will, many people worry: "Is a will created on the internet actually legal?"
It is a valid concern. Your will is one of the most important documents you will ever create. You need to be 100% sure it will stand up in court.
The Law: It's About the Signing, Not the Typing
In England and Wales, the law governing wills is the Wills Act 1837. While the language is old, the rules are clear. For a will to be valid, it does not matter if it was hand-written by a scribe, typed on a typewriter, or generated by smart software like Willdone.
What matters is how it is executed (signed and witnessed).
The 3 Rules for a Valid Will
- It must be in writing (paper).
- It must be signed by you (the testator) in the presence of two witnesses.
- The two witnesses must sign it in your presence.
As long as you print out your Willdone will and follow our signing instructions, it is just as legally binding as one written by a solicitor charging £500+.
The "Digital Will" Myth
It is important to distinguish between an online will service (like ours) and a fully digital will.
Currently, in England and Wales, you generally cannot sign your will electronically (e.g., using DocuSign) or have it witnessed over a video call (though temporary laws during the pandemic allowed video witnessing, the "wet ink" signature is still the gold standard and safest route).
At Willdone, we generate the legal document for you online, but we require you to print and sign it physically. This ensures full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Why Willdone is Safer than a DIY Will
You could write your own will on the back of a napkin, and technically, if witnessed correctly, it could be valid. But DIY wills are risky. Vague wording ("I leave everything to mother") or contradictory clauses can cause chaos.
DIY Risks
- Ambiguous phrasing causes legal battles.
- Forgetting "residual" clauses leaves assets unclaimed.
- Using invalid witnesses (e.g., a beneficiary).
Willdone Security
- Uses solicitor-approved legal clauses.
- Prevents impossible scenarios (like logic errors).
- Includes clear, step-by-step signing instructions.
When Should You NOT Use an Online Will?
Online wills are perfect for the majority of people (approx. 90% of the population). However, if your situation is highly complex, you should seek specialist legal advice.
You might need a solicitor if:
- You have a child with a disability who needs a complex trust.
- Your estate is very large and subject to Inheritance Tax planning (over £1M).
- You own property outside of the UK.
- You are worried someone will challenge your will due to mental capacity issues.
For everyone else—homeowners, parents, married couples, and single adults—Willdone provides a secure, legally valid, and affordable solution.