Create a New Will Online
Creating a new will online is easy , this is one of the most important steps in ensuring that your wishes are respected after you pass away. A will allows you to dictate who inherits your assets, care for dependents, and assign guardianship for minor children. In the past, creating a will often meant visiting a solicitor or using expensive services. However, now, creating a new will online has become a convenient, cost-effective, and reliable option for many people in the UK.
This guide explores how you can create a new will online, the benefits, and what you need to know before getting started.
Why Should You Create a Will?
A will provides clarity about what happens to your possessions after your death. Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not align with your wishes. By creating a will, you can ensure that:
- Your property, assets, and money go to the people or organizations you choose.
- Your children or dependents are cared for by trusted guardians.
- You can reduce the potential for family disputes after your death.
Creating a new will online is an easy and efficient way to ensure these critical matters are taken care of.
Steps to Create a New Will Online
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Choose an Online Will Service
The first step in creating a new will online is selecting a reliable service. Several websites and companies offer will creation services that guide you through the process step-by-step. Popular online services include:
- CreateWills.uk
- Farewill
- Willoo
- LegalZoom UK
These services typically offer easy-to-use platforms where you input your information, choose your beneficiaries, and finalize your will. Some services offer additional features like storage, regular updates, and legal advice for a higher fee.
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Provide Essential Information
Once you’ve selected a service, you will need to provide important details to ensure your will reflects your wishes. The required information typically includes:
- Personal Information: Full name, address, and date of birth.
- Beneficiaries: The people or organizations who will inherit your assets.
- Executors: The person responsible for administering your estate.
- Guardianship: If you have minor children, you will need to specify who will take care of them.
- Assets and Property: A list of your assets (e.g., property, savings, valuables) and how they should be distributed.
- Special Instructions: Any specific wishes, such as funeral arrangements or charitable donations.
- Review and ConfirmMost online will creation services will offer a preview of your will before finalizing it. Take time to review all the details thoroughly. Once you’re sure everything is accurate, confirm your details and proceed with creating the will.
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Sign Your Will
For a will to be legally binding, it must be signed by you and witnessed by two independent individuals. Online services may provide specific instructions on how to complete the signing process, which usually involves:
- Printing the Will: After completing your online will, print out the document.
- Signing in Front of Witnesses: You must sign your will in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your will.
- Witness Signatures: Your witnesses will also sign the will, confirming that they saw you sign it.
Some online services offer digital signing options, but it is essential to check the specific legal requirements in your jurisdiction to ensure everything is done correctly.
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Store Your Will Safely
Once your will is signed, it should be stored in a safe place. Some online services offer will storage for an additional fee, keeping your document securely stored and easily accessible when needed.
You should also inform a trusted individual, such as your executor or a family member, where your will is stored. This ensures that your will can be found and executed after your death.
Benefits of Creating a New Will Online
- Convenience
- Complete the process from home, anytime.
- Online services are available 24/7.
- Cost-Effective
- More affordable than hiring a solicitor.
- Prices typically range from £20 to £150.
- Flexibility
- Easily update your will as circumstances change.
- Legal Assurance
- Most reputable services ensure wills meet UK legal requirements.
- Speed
- The process can take as little as 30 minutes.
Factors to Consider When Creating a New Will Online
- Estate Complexity
- Online services are best for straightforward estates.
- Complex estates may require a solicitor.
- Witnessing and Signing
- Ensure correct witnessing to avoid legal issues.
- Updates and Changes
- Life events such as marriage or divorce require will updates.
- Security
- Choose a reputable service with secure storage options.
Please click here to Create a will
Q&A
What is an online will?
An online will is a legally binding document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death, created using an online service instead of visiting a solicitor.
Is an online will legally valid in the UK?
Yes, as long as the will meets the legal requirements: it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent adults.
Who can create a will online?
Anyone over 18 years old and of sound mind can create a will online in the UK.
Why should I create a will online instead of using a solicitor?
Creating a will online is cost-effective, convenient, and quick. It allows you to draft your will from home, often at a fraction of the cost of hiring a solicitor.
How much does it cost to create a will online?
The cost of creating a will online typically ranges from £20 to £150, depending on the service provider and any additional features you choose.
What information do I need to create an online will?
You will need to provide your personal details, name your beneficiaries, assign executors, specify guardianship for minor children, and list your assets.
Can I make changes to my online will later?
Yes, many online will services allow you to update or amend your will when circumstances change, often for a small fee or as part of a premium package.
Do I need a solicitor to review my online will?
For simple estates, a solicitor review may not be necessary. However, if your estate is complex or involves trusts, business assets, or international property, legal advice is recommended.
How do I ensure my online will is legally binding?
To make your will legally binding in the UK, you must print it, sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses, and have them sign it as well.
Who can act as a witness for my will?
Witnesses must be over 18, not a beneficiary of your will, and not married to a beneficiary.
Can I store my will online?
Some services offer secure online storage, but you should also keep a printed, signed copy in a safe place and inform your executor or a trusted person where to find it.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the UK intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes.
Can I include funeral wishes in my online will?
Yes, you can specify funeral arrangements, but these wishes are not legally binding. However, they help guide your loved ones.
How long does it take to create a will online?
It typically takes between 20–60 minutes to complete an online will, depending on the complexity of your estate.
Is an online will suitable for complex estates?
Online wills are best for straightforward estates. If you have multiple properties, business interests, or complex family situations, consulting a solicitor is advisable.
What happens after I complete my online will?
Once your will is completed, print it, sign it in front of witnesses, and store it safely. Some online services offer legal storage options.
Where should I store my signed will?
Keep your signed will in a secure location, such as a safe or with a professional storage service. Inform your executor or a trusted individual of its whereabouts.
Can I create a will online if I live outside the UK?
UK-based online will services are designed for UK residents. If you live abroad or own property overseas, consult a legal expert on cross-border estate planning.
What is the role of an executor in a will?
An executor is responsible for carrying out your will’s instructions, managing your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Can I appoint multiple executors in my online will?
Yes, you can appoint more than one executor, but they should be people you trust, as they will handle your estate after your death.
Is there a deadline for executing a will after death?
There is no fixed deadline, but probate should be applied for as soon as possible, as it can take months to complete.
Do online will services offer legal support?
Some online will services provide optional legal support or solicitor reviews for an extra fee.
What if I lose my will?
If you lose your will, your estate may be treated as if no will exists. Keep multiple copies in safe locations and inform your executor of where they are stored.
Conclusion
Creating a new will online is a quick, convenient, and affordable option for ensuring your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Online services provide a simple, step-by-step process that can be done from home, saving both time and money. Whether you have a simple estate or a moderately complex one, creating a new will online can give you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order.
