Witness to a will

[SurreyGuy]

I am just about to re-write my will. I'm not using a solicitor, so please don't tell me I need one for it to be legal - I know I don't! :o)

However, I would like to know if I need a witness to counter-sign the will or is my signature on its own sufficient?

T.I.A.

[dzug]

You need two witnesses who see you sign and who are not beneficiaries.

With respect, given your level of knowledge a solicitor might be advisable even if not legally necessary. Either that or study something like the Which guide.

[dans1977uk]

Hi, I'd back up the last answer in the fact that you do need two witnesses who are not beneficiaries, and stress the point that you MUST all three be in the same room when you all sign, as if you aren't and one of the witnesses later casts doubt the will can be said to be invalid.

Due to the small cost of seeing a solicitor I'd recommend you see one. You're 100% correct in saying you don't have to but if a solicitor costs you �50 - �100 now isn't that better than your kids / wife / parents paying thousands in unnecessary inheritance tax or costs through the delays probate cause just after your death when they'll be stressed anyway?

I'd like to stress I'm not a solicitor or even legal at all but find one you trust and they're worth their weight in gold.

[tellboy]

You dont need a Solicitor to write a will. They make their money sorting out "home made wills" years later on.
Reconsider.....it is fairly cheap.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks all for your answers.

dans1977uk - both my parents are dead, I'm divorced and I have no kids or any living relatives. I merely want to make sure no buggering Government department get their hands on what little I do leave.

[lord molly]

sorry to hear about that guy.

fair play and good luck.

[SurreyGuy]

Cheers molly