What happens after you've made your will?

Make sure it’s valid

Your will is only valid if two witnesses watch you sign it. They must also sign the will but do not need to read it. Your witnesses must:

• be over 18
• not be your beneficiaries
• not be your beneficiaries’ spouses or civil partners

Keep it safe

Make sure your executors know where your will is kept. They must have access to it without needing to apply for legal permission.

Do not store your will in a bank safety deposit box. The bank will not be able to open it until the executor gets legal permission, which won’t be granted without your will.

You can leave your will with a solicitor (they’ll give you a copy). There’s no charge for this service if you leave it with the solicitor who drew up your will.

You can also store it with the government’s Probate Service.

Keep it up to date

You should review your will every five years to make sure it’s up to date. This is especially important if your circumstances change – for example, if you:

• get married or enter a civil partnership – this will automatically cancel any existing will
• buy a new property or an expensive asset such as a new car
• divorce or separate from your partner