Who it's for
- Adults in England or Wales with a straightforward estate who want to make a will themselves
- People who want to appoint executors and, if they have children under 18, a guardian
- Couples should look at the Mirror Wills Pack instead
What's included
- About this template — why a will matters, and a 2026 inheritance tax summary
- Requirements for a valid will — table of the formalities and what happens if each is missed
- When to use a solicitor instead — situations this template is not suitable for
- The will — 12 clauses: revocation; executors and trustees (with substitute); guardian; specific gifts table; cash legacies; residuary estate (three options); trusts for minor beneficiaries; executors' powers; digital assets; funeral wishes; simultaneous death; attestation clause
- Signature blocks for the testator and two witnesses
Key points covered
- Must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses present at the same time, who then sign
- A witness who is a beneficiary (or their spouse or civil partner) loses their gift
- Three residuary options: one beneficiary, several in equal shares, or spouse/partner then children
- 30-day survivorship conditions and trusts for beneficiaries under 18
- Digital assets clause for online accounts and cryptocurrency
- Inheritance tax nil-rate band £325,000 and residence nil-rate band £175,000, both frozen until April 2031
DocPilot templates are drafted from current legislation and official guidance (GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk and the relevant regulators), checked against those sources and fully re-reviewed every six months. They are not legal advice. How we make our documents →
Read the guide
Related documents
Mirror Wills Pack£24.99 · See what's included →LPA — Property and Financial Affairs£14.99 · See what's included →Letter of Wishes£9.99 · Buy now →
Questions
Is a DIY will legally valid?
Yes, if it meets the legal formalities: you must be 18 or over with capacity, and sign in the presence of two independent witnesses who are present at the same time. The template explains each requirement.
When should I use a solicitor instead?
The template lists these, including business or agricultural property, overseas assets, an estate near or above the £325,000 nil-rate band, or complex family arrangements such as second marriages.
Can I use it in Scotland?
No. Scottish succession law is different — there is a separate Scottish Will template on the templates page.
Do I need to register my will?
No, registration is not required. Keep the signed original somewhere safe and tell your executors where it is.
Standard Will Template
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