Wills and powers of attorney: how the rules differ across the UK
Signing and witnessing rules for wills in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, what happens on marriage, and which power of attorney you need where you live.
Find will writing solicitors near you and compare their fees for making a will or a power of attorney. Every total includes VAT and disbursements, so you can compare like with like.
Compare fees nowThe law, the process and the taxes differ between the UK's three legal systems.
In England and Wales a will must be signed in front of two independent witnesses, and getting married or entering a civil partnership normally cancels an existing will.
Wales follows the law of England and Wales: a will needs two independent witnesses, and marriage normally cancels an existing will.
A Scottish will needs only one witness, and you sign every page.
In Northern Ireland a will needs two witnesses and marriage normally cancels an existing will.
Signing and witnessing rules for wills in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, what happens on marriage, and which power of attorney you need where you live.