This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Find out whether a will can be typed or handwritten in England and Wales. This guide explains the legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837, the difference between typed and handwritten wills, risks to avoid, and how to ensure a valid testamentary document.
One of the common questions people ask when preparing a will in England and Wales is whether it must be typed or if handwriting is acceptable. The form of the will is a fundamental part of its legal validity, and misunderstanding the rules can lead to costly disputes, delays in probate, or even intestacy-where the estate is distributed under statutory rules rather than according to the deceased's wishes. This article explains the legal position on typed and handwritten wills, what constitutes “writing” under the law, the formal requirements that apply, and practical considerations when deciding how to prepare a will. It draws on authoritative sources, including statute and current legal guidance, to provide clear and accessible explanation.
Legal Framework: “In Writing” Under the Wills Act 1837
The principal statutory requirement for a will in England and Wales is set out in section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. To be valid, a will must be in writing; this is the very first requirement in the statutory checklist. Other requirements include the testator's signature and the presence of two witnesses.
Importantly, the statute does not prescribe any particular form of writing. It simply requires that the will be “in writing” without specifying that the document must be typed, printed, or in the testator's own handwriting. This means both typed and handwritten documents can satisfy the legal requirement, provided the rest of the formalities are met.
Typed Wills
A typed will is a will prepared on a computer or typewriter and printed on paper. This is the most common form of will used in practice, especially when drafting with professional support or using a will-writing service. The law recognises typed wills as valid because they are “in writing” within the meaning of section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. They must, of course, be signed by the testator and properly witnessed.
Typed wills have practical advantages:
- Clarity and legibility: Printed text reduces the risk of misunderstanding due to unclear handwriting.
- Structure and completeness: Standard templates and word processing tools assist in organising the document effectively.
- Ease of storage and replication: Typed wills can be easily duplicated for secure storage and reference.
For these reasons, professionals generally recommend that wills be typed whenever possible.
Handwritten Wills
A handwritten will is a will where the text is written entirely by hand by the person making the will (the testator). In England and Wales, handwritten wills are accepted as valid so long as they meet the same formal requirements as a typed will: the document must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two persons who attest the signature. There is no special legal category for “holographic wills” that are valid without witnesses in England and Wales. All wills, whether typed or handwritten, must comply with the witnessing formalities under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.
However, handwritten wills come with practical risks:
- Legibility concerns: Poor handwriting can lead to uncertainty over the testator's intentions, increasing the likelihood of challenge or dispute.
- Drafting errors: Handwritten wills are more prone to drafting mistakes or missing elements that could affect interpretation.
- Authentication difficulties: If the handwriting or signature is contested, it may be more difficult to prove validity during probate proceedings.
Because of these risks, solicitors often advise that handwritten wills be used only in urgent situations or where a typed will cannot be prepared. Some handwritten wills are drafted without legal advice and turn out to be invalid because they fail other formal requirements.
Practical Considerations for Both Typed and Handwritten Wills
Formal Requirements
Whether typed or handwritten, a will must:
- Be in writing (typed or handwritten).
- Be signed by the testator with the intention that the signature gives effect to the will.
- Be signed or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time, and each witness must attest and sign the will.
These requirements are strict; failure to comply can result in invalidity, meaning the estate may be distributed under intestacy rules rather than according to the testator's wishes.
Clarity and Risk of Dispute
Typed wills are less susceptible to interpretation issues than handwritten wills. Ambiguity in handwriting can lead to family disputes or increased costs in probate. Where a handwritten will is used, ensuring the handwriting is clear and the language unambiguous can reduce the risk of challenge, but it does not eliminate it.
Storage and Accessibility
For both types, the original signed document should be stored safely, with executors advised of its location. Professionals sometimes hold wills in secure storage to ensure they can be found easily after death.
Key Takeaways
In England and Wales, a will can be either typed or handwritten and still be valid, provided it meets the formal requirements under the Wills Act 1837. The law simply requires that the will be “in writing” with no restriction on the method of writing, meaning both typed and handwritten wills are acceptable in principle.
However:
- Typed wills are generally clearer and less prone to dispute.
- Handwritten wills must still satisfy all statutory formalities, including witnessing.
- Handwritten wills may present practical risks, particularly around legibility and interpretation.
Adhering to formal execution requirements and ensuring clarity in the document are essential steps, regardless of whether a will is typed or handwritten.
