[F19 Signing and attestation of willsE+W+N.I.
[F2(1)]No will shall be valid unless—
(a)it is in writing, and signed by the testator, or by some other person in his presence and by his direction; and
(b)it appears that the testator intended by his signature to give effect to the will; and
(c)the signature is made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time; and
(d)each witness either—
(i)attests and signs the will; or
(ii)acknowledges his signature,
in the presence of the testator (but not necessarily in the presence of any other witness),
but no form of attestation shall be necessary.
[F3(2)For the purposes of paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (1), in relation to wills made on or after 31 January 2020 and on or before 31 January [F42024], “presence” includes presence by means of videoconference or other visual transmission.]]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 9 substituted by Administration of Justice Act 1982 (c. 53, SIF 116:5), ss. 17, 73(6)
F2S. 9 renumbered as s. 9(1) (28.9.2020) by virtue of The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/952), arts. 1, 2(2) (with art. 3)
F3S. 9(2) inserted (28.9.2020) by The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/952), arts. 1, 2(3) (with art. 3)
F4Word in s. 9(2) substituted (1.2.2022) by The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/18), arts. 1, 2(2)