Create and Fill In a Simple UK Will at Home

A straightforward guide, plus a basic draft you can use.

Many people put off writing a Will because it feels complicated, but the truth is, a simple Will can be written at home with no cost. The important part is clarity, not fancy wording. If your affairs are straightforward, you can genuinely do this yourself.

Here’s how to go through it step by step.

1. Start With the Basics

Your Will begins with your full details:

Your full name
Address
Date of birth
A statement that this is your last Will

This simply confirms that the document belongs to you and replaces any earlier Wills.

Example:
“I, Jane Smith of 12 Oak Road, Bristol, declare this to be my last Will and revoke all previous Wills.”

2. Choose Your Executors

Executors are the people who sort everything out when the time comes. They collect money, close accounts, and make sure your wishes are followed.

You can choose:

A family member
A friend
A professional (though they charge)

Most people pick two, just in case one can’t act.

Keep it simple: choose trustworthy people who can handle admin calmly.

3. Decide Who Receives Your Assets

This is the main part of your Will. Set out clearly who gets what.

You can leave:

Everything to one person
A percentage split (for example, 50/50 to two children)
Specific gifts (“my jewellery to my daughter Anna”)
A charity gift (“£500 to Dogs Trust”)

Be as clear as you can with names and relationship.

4. Appoint Guardians (if you have children under 18)

This only applies if you are a parent of a minor child.

Say who you would want to raise them if both parents have died.
It’s a simple statement: name the guardian, and name a backup if you want.

5. Deal With “Everything Else”

This is called the residuary estate — anything not specifically mentioned.

Most people put:
“I leave the remainder of my estate to…”

Choose a person or split it between several.

6. Sign It Properly (the most important step)

In England & Wales the rules are:

You must sign the Will
Two witnesses must watch you sign
They must sign immediately after you
Witnesses must NOT be beneficiaries (or married to beneficiaries)

Write the date clearly at the top or next to your signature.

Your witnesses don’t need to read the Will, they’re only confirming they saw you sign.

7. Store It Safely

A Will is only helpful if it can be found.

Options:

Keep at home in a clearly labelled safe place
Give a copy to your executor
Store with a solicitor
Use the Probate Service’s storage service (small fee)

Avoid sealing it away in a bank box that no one can access.

A Simple UK Will Template You Can Use at Home

(Keep this clear and unambiguous. Handwritten or typed is fine.)

Last Will and Testament of [Your Full Name]

I, [Full Name], of [Address], born [Date of Birth], declare this to be my last Will and revoke all previous Wills.

1. Executors

I appoint [Name] of [Address] to be my Executor.
If they cannot act, I appoint [Second Name] of [Address].

2. Gifts

I give the following specific gifts:

[Item or amount] to [Name] of [Address].
[If none, delete this section or write “None.”]

3. Residue of My Estate

I give all the remainder of my estate to [Name], of [Address].
(If splitting between people, write the percentages clearly.)

4. Guardians (if applicable)

If I die leaving children under 18, I appoint [Name] to be their Guardian.
If they cannot act, I appoint [Backup Name].

5. Funeral Wishes (optional)

I would prefer [burial/cremation/no preference], but this is a wish, not a legal instruction.

Signature

Signed by me, [Your Name], in the presence of the two witnesses who sign below.

Signature: __________________________
Date: _______________________________

Witness 1

Name: __________________________
Address: ________________________
Signature: ______________________

Witness 2