The formalities or formal requirements for a valid Will are governed by a law which is approaching 200 years old. These requirements, subject to some very rare exceptions, are that a Will:

  1. Must be in writing
  2. Must be signed by the testator (the person making the Will) or by someone in their presence and at their direction
  3. Must be signed or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who were present at the same time and who attested the Will in the presence of the testator
  4. Must give the appearance that the testator intended by their signature to give effect to the Will

The law surrounding witnessing of Wills was temporarily altered during and immediately following the pandemic, to allow for ‘remote witnessing’ of Wills. Whilst these requirements may appear simple, we deal with a number of disputes where the formal requirements are in question.

Specialist Wills Solicitors

We advise and represent many clients who either have concerns that a Will was not validly executed in accordance with the legal formalities, as well as defending claims from parties interested in finding that a Will is invalid on those bases.

If you have concerns that a Will has not been validly executed or the formalities have not been complied with, we can carry out investigations into the circumstances surrounding the execution of the Will, and if those investigations reveal or reinforce those concerns, we can assist in taking steps towards making a claim that the Will is invalid for lack of due execution.

Here to help

Our specialist teams can provide full service legal advice and assistance, providing practical and cost-effective solutions.

About Ellis Jones

Our team take a personal approach to everything they do, putting people at the heart of our process and working with our clients in a way which offers support and reassurance throughout every step in the process.

Learn More

About Ellis Jones

Our team take a personal approach to everything they do, putting people at the heart of our process and working with our clients in a way which offers support and reassurance throughout every step in the process.

Learn More

Latest Dispute Resolution News and Advice

4 minute read

Galliani v Sartori: No time like the present to respond to a claim and avoid a CCJ

Learn More
4 minute read

Clashing Personalities: Resolving Director and Shareholder Disputes

Learn More
5 minute read

Is a Judgment on Admission capable of being revoked?

Learn More
4 minute read

Share Purchase Disputes: Breach of Warranty – What Can I Do?

Learn More
All News

Our offices

Bournemouth
302 Charminster Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH8 9RU
01202 525333
Contact Bournemouth Bournemouth
London
Office 320 107 – 111 Fleet Street
London
EC4A 2AB
02039 784720
Contact London London
Poole
14a Haven Road
Canford Cliffs
Poole
Dorset
BH13 7LP
01202 709898
Contact Poole Poole
Ringwood
Monmouth Court
Southampton Road
Ringwood
Hampshire
BH24 1HE
01425 484848
Contact Ringwood Ringwood
Swanage
55 High Street
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 2LT
01929 422233
Contact Swanage Swanage
Wimborne
39a East Street
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 1DX
01202 057676
Contact Wimborne Wimborne