The Witness Protection Program
Your Complete Guide to Getting Your Will Signed Right 🔍
Let's talk about something that sounds simple but just cost some charities £1 million - witnessing a Will properly. Yep, you read that right.
A recent case hit the headlines when four major charities lost out on a massive inheritance because of incorrect Will witnessing. Ouch.
So, let's break down everything you need to know about witnessing a Will, because this stuff matters (like, really matters).
What's the Big Deal About Witnesses? 🤔
Think of witnesses as your Will's bodyguards. They're there to protect your wishes and confirm that yes, this is definitely your Will, and yes, you were definitely in your right mind when you signed it. Without proper witnesses, your Will could be about as legally binding as a Post-it note.
The Golden Rules of Will Witnessing:
The Magic Number
You need TWO witnesses (not one, not three - exactly two)
Both witnesses must be present at the same time
They must watch you sign the Will
You must watch them sign too
Who Can Be a Witness?
Let's start with who CAN'T be a witness:
Anyone who benefits from your Will (or their spouse/civil partner)
Anyone under 18
Someone who isn't mentally capable of understanding what they're witnessing
Someone who's blind or partially sighted
Good witness choices include:
Neighbours
Work colleagues
Friends (who aren't beneficiaries)
Healthcare professionals
Bank staff
The Signing Ceremony 🖋️
Yes, we're calling it a ceremony because it deserves some respect!
Here's how it should go down:
Step 1: Get Everyone Together
You and both witnesses must be in the same room
No popping out for coffee mid-signing!
Step 2: The Main Event
Tell your witnesses they're about to witness your Will
Sign your Will in front of both witnesses
Use your normal signature
Add the date
Step 3: Witness Time
Both witnesses sign where indicated
They add their names and addresses
Everyone stays present until all signatures are complete
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
The "I'll Just Get My Neighbour to Sign Later" Trap
Nope! Everyone needs to be present at the same time.
The "My Beneficiary Can Witness" Error
This could void their inheritance completely.
The "Virtual Witnessing" Mistake
While this was temporarily allowed during COVID-19, standard rules now apply, in-person witnessing is required.
Digital Wills and Witnessing 💻
Even though we're all about digital at AWAY Wills, the actual signing still needs to be done the old-school way. Your Will might be drafted digitally, but the final version needs physical signatures and physical witnesses.
Why We're Extra Careful 🎯
At AWAY Wills, every one of our Will writers is trained through the College of Will Writing and is a member of the Society of Will Writers. We follow a strict professional code of conduct because we've seen what happens when things go wrong (remember that £1 million mistake?).
The Bottom Line 💫
Getting your Will witnessed correctly isn't just a legal box-ticking exercise - it's about protecting your legacy and ensuring your wishes are carried out. It might seem like a faff, but trust us, it's worth doing right.
Ready to create a properly witnessed Will? Book a free consultation with us, and we'll guide you through every step of the process. Because your legacy matters too much for mistakes.
