Writing a will is an important step, but it’s not legally valid until it’s signed and properly witnessed.
Choosing the right witnesses might seem simple, but getting it wrong can make your will invalid — or worse, unintentionally exclude someone from inheriting.
At Coastal Legacy, we help people across Hampshire, Gosport, Fareham, and Portsmouth make sure every detail of their will is correct, right down to the signatures. Here’s what you need to know about witnessing your will in the UK.
Why Witnesses Are Needed
The law requires witnesses to ensure that your will is:
- Signed voluntarily (without pressure or influence)
- Authentic (genuinely signed by you)
- Properly executed (following the legal process)
Having witnesses protects your wishes and reduces the risk of disputes after your death.
The Legal Requirements
In England and Wales, a will must be:
- In writing
- Signed by the person making the will (the testator)
- Witnessed by two people who are both present when you sign
Each witness must then sign the will themselves, in your presence and in front of each other.
This ensures transparency and confirms that the document was signed freely and correctly.
Who Can Be a Witness?
Your witnesses must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be of sound mind
- Not be blind or partially sighted (as they need to see you sign)
- Be physically present at the time of signing
Suitable witnesses could include:
- Friends
- Neighbours
- Work colleagues
At Coastal Legacy, we can also act as professional witnesses if you prefer complete neutrality.
Who Cannot Be a Witness
Certain people cannot act as witnesses to your will:
- Beneficiaries (anyone who is due to inherit under the will)
- The spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary
If someone who benefits from your will witnesses it, their gift will become invalid — even though the will itself remains legally valid.
To avoid complications, always choose impartial witnesses with no financial or personal interest in your estate.
Where to Sign Your Will
You can sign your will:
- At home (with suitable witnesses present)
- At your will writer’s or solicitor’s office
- In a safe, quiet space where everyone can clearly see each other sign
Witnessing can’t be done remotely or via video call — all signatures must happen in person.
What Happens After It’s Signed
Once your will is properly signed and witnessed, it becomes legally valid. You should:
- Store it safely (for example, with Coastal Legacy’s secure storage service)
- Let your executors know where it’s kept
- Avoid attaching anything to it (like notes or paperclips) that might be seen as alterations
We’ll always guide you through this process and provide confirmation that your will has been executed correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People often make small but costly errors when signing their wills, such as:
- Having only one witness
- Allowing beneficiaries to witness
- Signing before the witnesses arrive
- Forgetting to date the document
Professional guidance ensures every step is done correctly — saving your family from future complications.
Peace of Mind with Coastal Legacy
Witnessing your will is one of the final and most important steps in securing your legacy. Our team makes it simple and stress-free, ensuring your will meets every legal requirement.
👉 Contact Coastal Legacy today to arrange professional will writing and signing guidance across Hampshire.