How to Sign your Will Correctly
Posted on 3rd January 2019
Usually, when you prepare a Will through your local solicitors for Wills, MG Legal, we would ask that you attend the office to sign, and two members of staff would be able to act as your witnesses (we’ve witnessed so many Wills, we’ve started to dream about it!). Sometimes, we even visit people at their properties and act as witnesses there. It all depends on how able you are to travel to our offices.
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However, one common issue that we come across is when we send a Will out to a client for them to sign at home. Now, we know that everyone is busy and finding 10 minutes to pop in and sign can be impossible! That being said, we prefer this option, because it means we can make sure you’re signing right – rather than having to bother you over and over and over asking you to re-sign.
BUT, if you really are struggling then we don’t mind sending it out, as long as you promise to follow the following Will signing instructions to a ‘T’!
1 The Testator or Testatrix (the person signing the Will) must sign the bottom of each page (except the final page). If you have a middle name, it is a good idea to include at least the initial in your signature.
2 On the final page, there is an attestation clause, which looks like this:-
SIGNED by the Testatrix )
In our presence and attested by us )
In the presence of her and each )
Other: )
If you’re a male, the clause will replace Testatrix with Testator, and her with him. However, the meaning is the same.
3 When you are signing your Will, there must be two witnesses present. They can’t just sign afterwards or before – they must watch you sign the document! It is important to note that your witnesses must not be beneficiaries of your Will, and we would usually recommend that they are over the age of 18 years.
The witnesses must also sign the bottom of every page (again, except the final page).
4 On the final page, the witnesses must sign under the attestation clause, and then underneath their signature they must print their name, and write their address.
Once you have followed the above signing procedure (to the absolute letter), you can return the Will to your nearest solicitors, MG Legal, and we will finalise matters on your behalf.
Normally we will send you a copy of the Will and retain the original for safe-keeping, but if you want the original, just let us know, and we will arrange for you to collect this after you have signed.
If you already have a Will and you want to look at drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney instead, or you are selling a property, contact your nearest solicitors on 01772 783 314 (Solicitors in Longridge), 01524 581 306 (Solicitors in Lancaster) and 01995 602 129 (Solicitors in Garstang).
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Tagged as: Lancaster Solicitors, Living Will, Longridge, Preston Law, Solicitors in Garstang, Solicitors in Longridge, Solicitors in Preston, Wills, Wills & Probate, Your Local Solicitors
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