The Wills Act 2025 Electronic Wills The future of Wills

When most people imagine a Will, images of tea-stained documents with fancy handwriting, some Latin phrases, legal jargon and pretty ribbon likely come to mind. But that may all change with some impending reforms which would introduce legally recognised electronic Wills, allowing for remote execution and better digital security.

We live in a digital world, one where you can buy groceries or a swimming pool one minute and go viral for 6 second dance a minute later. Our whole lives are online; from the pictures we post of our friends to the embarrassing videos that we hope never to see the light of day. Everyone has an online presence, even if it is one that we are not proud of. Therefore, why should our Wills be stuck in the past?

Proposed reforms would allow Wills to be created, signed and stored digitally, allowing the production of Wills to become more accessible. More people would be able to prepare and sign their Wills due to the increased convenience (because let’s face it, we are all never too far away from at least one device). Rather than filling out long forms by hand to receive back paper copies that can be easily lost behind the sofa or under the fridge, the process would all be online, saved to the security of the digital world.

Even though the ribbons really do look pretty and the Latin phrases sound elegant, the legislation is in dire need of an upgrade. We live in a digital world and it is time the law underwent a software update to match. Imagine how easy it could be to check your Will instead of doomscrolling or sign your Will during the advert break of the current show you are binging.