Online Wills

For a Will to be legally binding, it must meet certain requirements:

• The Will must be in written form.
• It must be signed by the person creating the Will and in the presence of two witnesses.
• The witnesses should not be named in the Will and must be present during the signing. They must both be over 18 years old, mentally competent, and understand English.
• Both the testator and witnesses must sign at the end of each page and the final page of the document, using the same pen.
• The Will should not be altered or written on after it has been signed.

It’s advisable to update your Will every 3 to 5 years or whenever major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a change in assets.

Most online Will providers offer easy updates. Simply log in to your account, make the necessary changes, and download the updated document. Once signed in front of two independent witnesses, the revised Will is legally valid.

Currently, Wills cannot be legally signed or witnessed with electronic signatures. The Will must be printed, and the testator and witnesses must physically sign at the bottom of each page.

Before drafting your Will, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Make a list of your assets, such as property, bank accounts, and investments, to determine who should receive what and to decide on specific gifts to individuals or charities. If you have minor children or dependents, think about who you would like to name as their guardian(s) and any specific instructions for their care.

Regularly updating your Will after significant life changes—such as marriage, divorce, or the arrival of new children—ensures your wishes are accurately reflected when the time comes.