Changes to the outdated, antiquated process of writing a will might finally be around the corner, according to one industry insight, who says that, for too long the legal system has maintained a system that feels outdated and inaccessible, leaving many people hesitant to engage with the process.
Carl Christensen, founder of FreeWills says he’s witnessed “first-hand” how the process of writing a will in the UK has been unnecessarily complex, slow, and often shrouded in mystery. He said:
“The proposed Wills Act 2025 is, in my view, a long-overdue step towards modernising an industry that has resisted change for far too long.”
The foundations of UK will law are built on the Wills Act 1837 – legislation that has remained largely untouched for nearly two centuries. Carl added:
“While the principles of protecting individuals’ final wishes are sound, the process itself has become tangled in tradition, with layers of legal complexity that can deter the average person. Solicitors and legal professionals have, perhaps inadvertently, created an environment where the process feels intimidating and inaccessible.”
He said that the Pandemic brought temporary measures like remote witnessing, showing that change is possible. Yet, these changes are still viewed as exceptions rather than the norm, he added. Carl said:
“These are not just minor adjustments; they represent a significant shift towards simplifying and demystifying the process.
The Wills Act 1837 has stood the test of time, but with it came a resistance to change. Tradition, bureaucracy, and a cautious legal culture have all contributed to delays in reform.”
The need for clarity, accessibility, and simplicity is now undeniable, and the move to online Will writing becoming the norm is unstoppable.”
He said that the Wills Act 2025 has the potential to be a “catalyst for positive change” and a chance to “demystify an industry that has”. He continued:
“Change is coming, and it’s long overdue.”
2 responses
Simplified process is not the way forward. The process is fine it needs more publicity on writing a Will. Making it easier to fraudsters will mean drafting Wills with no legal intervention becomes a full time job for the criminal element. It works leave it alone.
It really doesn’t work even with a mirrored will drawn up by a solicitor and doctors letters included then a separate codicil in place if anyone challenges they get nothing as the will was the deceased wishes this has not worked and cost an eye-watering sum of money in fees from solicitors.
It is absolutely scandalous in every way expensive Wills have been tossed aside.