Who Can Witness A Will UK?

Writing a Will is crucial to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death.

However, in order for your Will to be legally binding, it needs to be witnessed correctly.

We explain all you need to know about witnessing a Will, including who can witness a Will in the UK and what they have to do.

Does a Will have to be witnessed?

For a Will to be legally binding, it must be witnessed.

Witnessing a Will involves independent individuals observing the testator (the person making the Will) sign the document and then signing it themselves.

This process helps ensure the authenticity and integrity of the Will, providing evidence that it was executed voluntarily and without coercion.

Without witnesses, a Will may be deemed invalid. This can lead to disputes during the probate process, and prevent the testator’s wishes being carried out.

Why do you need a witness for a Will?

The presence of witnesses in the Will-signing process is not just a legal formality but a crucial requirement to ensure the validity and integrity of the document.

Witnesses serve several purposes, providing assurance and protection for both the testator and their beneficiaries. These include:

1. Confirming the identity of the testator and verifying their signature. This helps prevent fraudulent activities and ensures the authenticity of the document.
2. Preventing forgery or coercion by confirming that the testator signed the Will willingly and without undue influence.
3. Ensuring that the testator has the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their Will. This protects against situations where someone might take advantage of the testator’s vulnerability.
4. Providing evidence in case the Will’s validity is challenged.

Unfortunately, disputes over the validity or interpretation of a Will can arise after the testator’s death.

In such cases, witnesses can provide valuable testimony and evidence to support the authenticity of the Will and the testator’s intentions.

What does a witness do?

The primary role of a witness is to confirm that the person who wrote the Will is the one signing it.

This means being present when the testator (the person writing the Will) is signing the document.

Witnesses are required to sign the Will themselves, acknowledging their presence and certifying the testator’s signature.

Witnesses are not obligated to read the contents of the Will.

What legal responsibilities does a witness have?

Once a witness signs the Will, they have no ongoing legal responsibilities.

However, if the Will’s validity is contested, witnesses may be called upon to provide testimony or sign an affidavit to affirm the circumstances under which the Will was signed.

How many witnesses do you need to sign a will?

In the UK, two witnesses need to sign a Will to ensure its legal validity.

Having two independent witnesses is a requirement set out by law to ensure impartiality and to protect against potential fraud or undue influence.

Failing to have two independent witnesses may render the Will invalid.

Who can witness a Will?

When it comes to witnessing a Will, the selection of appropriate individuals is vital so that they provide an impartial confirmation of the testator’s identity and the authenticity of the document.

However, not just anyone can serve as a witness. An eligible witness must meet the following criteria:

1. Be an independent adult who is not related to the testator.
2. Have no personal interest in the Will, ensuring impartiality.
3. Ideally, be a trusted individual such as a family friend or neighbour.

Who cannot be a witness?

To ensure fairness and to prevent conflicts of interest, certain individuals are ineligible to act as witnesses of a Will:

1. The spouse or civil partner of the testator.
2. Beneficiaries mentioned in the Will or their spouse or civil partner.

Should you ever refuse to witness a Will?

Being asked to witness a Will is an important responsibility that comes with its own considerations.

While it may seem like a straightforward task, there are circumstances where refusing to witness a Will is not only acceptable but also necessary, such as:

1. When the person signing the Will is not the testator.
2. If there are concerns about the testator’s mental capacity or potential coercion.
3. If the witness is a beneficiary under the Will or the spouse/civil partner of a beneficiary.

Can an executor be a witness?

Yes, an executor can act as a witness, as long as they are not a beneficiary named in the Will and remain neutral and unbiased.

This can allow for a streamlined process, as the executor is already familiar with the testator’s intentions and the contents of the Will.

However, we would recommend choosing witnesses who are independent individuals without personal interests in the Will to avoid any potential conflict.

Is a Will invalid if a witness dies?

No, the death of a witness does not invalidate a Will.

It is not uncommon for a witness to die before the testator, but choosing witnesses who are likely to outlive you can be beneficial in case the Will is contested.

How to get a Will witnessed

There are a few essential steps to follow to ensure that your Will is witnessed correctly and meets the necessary legal requirements:

1. Before signing your Will, you must confirm that the individuals you intend to ask as witnesses are willing and available to fulfil this role, and that they understand the importance and responsibility of being a witness.
2. When it’s time to sign your Will, make sure that both witnesses are present in the room with you, so they can observe you signing the Will. This step ensures that they can testify to the fact that it was you who signed the document.
3. Once you have signed the Will, each witness should then sign it themselves. Their signatures indicate that they witnessed your signature and solidify the legality of the document.
4. Along with their signatures, witnesses should also print their full name, address, and job title. These additional details provide further identification and documentation of the witnesses’ involvement in the process.

Can you witness a Will virtually?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, changes were made to the Wills Act 1837 to allow virtual witnessing of Wills using video-conferencing technology.

While the UK government recommends using physical witnesses whenever possible, virtual witnessing is now considered acceptable for those who are shielding or self-isolating due to the pandemic.

These amendments apply retrospectively to Wills made since January 1st, 2020.

The provision allowing virtual witnessing is set to expire on January 31st 2024, although this timeline is subject to potential extensions or revisions based on public health guidelines.

Get in touch

To find out more about creating your Will, contact us today at 0117 952 0698 or submit a free, no obligation enquiry and our friendly team of experts will be happy to help.