How to make a Will – for somebody else…today

Originally published: 15 March 2020 | Last updated: 29 January 2026

TL;DR: You can assist someone in creating their Will through LegalWills.co.uk by following three methods: (1) work together to use their online platform, (2) establish an account for them with their given details and then produce the document for their verification and signature and witness confirmation, and (3) if they have internet access, set them up with their own account and let them complete it independently. The testator needs to sign their Will personally while they remain fully aware and mentally capable. You cannot sign someone else’s Will for them.

Can You Make a Will for Someone Else?

You can help someone else make their Will, but you cannot make a Will on behalf of someone without their knowledge and involvement. The testator needs to understand every detail of their Will before they must sign the document. The law requires this as an essential rule which must be followed.

People who want to assist their elderly relatives and their neighbors and friends who require a Will but lack computer skills need help. The process to create a valid Will exists through several effective methods.

What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will?

People need to understand why they should help others before they learn how to assist others. If someone dies without a Will (dying intestate):

No one is in charge: a family member must apply to the court to become Administrator

All accounts are frozen until a Grant of Letters of Administration is issued

The estate is distributed by formula: the intestacy rules decide everything

Unmarried partners receive nothing

No guardian is named for minor children

No charitable gifts are made

What Can a Will Do?

A Will establishes important choices about who will receive what and which persons will take responsibility for specific duties:

Function

What It Does

Executor

The person who takes charge of estate management activities receives this position.

Guardian

The document shows which people will take charge of minor children until they reach adulthood.

Distribution

The document shows who will get what assets through specific backup plans which become active when the primary plans fail to work.

Trusts

Holds assets for young beneficiaries or blended families

Charitable bequests

Leaves gifts to charities

Specific bequests

Leaves particular items to named individuals

What Are the Three Ways to Help Someone Write Their Will?

Option 1: Write It Together from a Blank Piece of Paper

This method ranks as the most challenging one so experts advise against using it. No qualified solicitor writes a Will from a blank sheet. The document shows basic information but it becomes too complex for management after including Will identification and Executor naming and property distribution. You need:

Backup plans if the primary beneficiary predeceases the testator

Trust clauses for young beneficiaries (you cannot leave money directly to a minor)

Powers granted to the Executor for estate administration

Correct legal language that withstands challenge

The method creates dangers for users who try to use sample Will templates which they find on the internet. Free Will kits and blank form kits are equally problematic.

Option 2: Work Through an Online Service Together

This method stands as the recommended solution. Sit with the person and work through the LegalWills.co.uk service together. The service guides you through nine sections:

Personal details and family situation

Children and dependants

Other beneficiaries

Guardians for minor children

Executor appointment

Distribution of possessions

Trusts for young beneficiaries

Charitable bequests and specific legacies

Additional instructions (funeral wishes, digital assets)

The service works on any device, computer, tablet, or phone, so you can sit at a kitchen table with a tablet and complete it together. The testator makes all the decisions while you handle the technology.

Option 3: Create an Account on Their Behalf

If the person cannot be present while you set up the service, you can:

Create an account at LegalWills.co.uk using their details

Enter the information they have provided to you (beneficiaries, Executor, distribution wishes)

Print the completed document

Take it to the person for review

Make any changes they request

Print the final version for them to sign and witness

Critical requirement: The testator must read (or have read to them) and understand the Will before signing it. They must sign in the presence of two independent witnesses, and both witnesses must sign in the testator’s presence. If there is any question about the testator’s mental capacity, consider obtaining a medical assessment to protect against future challenges.

What About Other Estate Planning Documents?

Assess the need for additional estate planning documents when you create a Will for someone else. The Lasting Power of Attorney (Property and Financial Affairs) authorizes someone to control financial matters when an individual loses their ability to handle money. The Lasting Power of Attorney (Health and Welfare) allows someone to make medical and care decisions on behalf of another person. The Advance Directive (Living Will) contains their instructions about medical care they want to receive.

These documents form the seven critical documents of a complete estate plan. All documents exist at LegalWills.co.uk.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Signing?

A Will becomes legally valid only when someone executes it properly after it has been made through any method of preparation.

The testator needs to sign the Will directly or they can authorize someone to sign while they stay present.

Two independent witnesses must be present at the same time

Both witnesses must sign in the testator’s presence

Witnesses must be over 18 and of sound mind

Neither witness (nor their spouse/civil partner) can be a beneficiary

If you are assisting someone who needs elderly or medical support then you should watch the Will signing process closely after it becomes ready. Do not delay. The whole point of preparing the Will is that it needs to be in place.

How Much Does It Cost?

Service

Price

Single Will

£49.95

Mirror Wills (couple)

£79.95

Lasting Power of Attorney

£29.95

Complete estate plan

From £89.85

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a Will for my parent without them knowing?

No. A Will must reflect the testator’s own wishes, and they must sign it themselves with full understanding. Creating a Will without the testator’s knowledge and consent would make it invalid and potentially fraudulent.

What if the person cannot physically sign the Will?

Under the Wills Act 1837, a Will can be signed by someone else at the testator’s direction and in their presence. The testator must be present, conscious, and direct the other person to sign. Both witnesses must also be present.

Can I help someone write their Will if I am a beneficiary?

You can help with the practical aspects (typing, navigating the website), but be cautious. The Will becomes subject to review because you stand to benefit from its content. The testator needs to decide everything on their own.

Does the person need internet access to use LegalWills.co.uk?

Not necessarily. The account creation process allows you to input details from any location with internet access before you print the document which you must deliver to the person for their review and signature.