Witnesses are persons who see an event and are prepared to confirm that the event happened. The UK government passed the Wills Act in 1837 that requires when a person signs a Will, there must be 2 adult independent persons, known as witnesses, who have seen the act of signature and are prepared to add their details to the Will to prove this.
Therefore, when all UK Wills are signed, there must be two witnesses present who must be over 18 years old. For the Will to be valid, these two witnesses must not be potential beneficiaries of the Will, spouses of beneficiaries, or members of your own family.
The witnesses do not commit themselves to anything by adding their details – all they do is make sure the Will is signed according to the Wills Act and it will be declared valid by the Probate Court.
The Will writing service on The Will Site which is provided by glossLegal makes an online Will which is solicitor checked, professionally printed and bound, and ready for you to sign. They will post your online Will together with very clear signing instructions.