How to make a valid will in England: signature and two witnesses

For a will to be valid in England and Wales it must follow strict rules, set by the Wills Act 1837 (section 9). Get the form wrong and it can be treated as if there were no will at all.

What a valid will requires

A will is valid only if: it is in writing and signed by the testator (or by someone else in their presence and at their direction); it appears the testator intended the signature to give effect to the will; the signature is made or acknowledged in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time; and each witness attests and signs (or acknowledges their signature) in the testator's presence. No particular form of attestation is needed.

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Who can be a witness

A key rule: a witness (or their spouse) should not be a beneficiary under the will — otherwise they lose their gift under it. So choose independent witnesses. The two witnesses must see the testator's signature at the same moment.

In short

In writing, signed by the testator, two independent witnesses together, their signatures in the testator's presence. If your situation is complex (several countries, property, children from different marriages), that is a reason to have the will drawn up carefully.