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Remote Witnessing for Wills: Is It Still Allowed in 2025?

· 12 min

Emma, 68, lives alone in rural Aberdeenshire with limited mobility following a stroke. In July 2021, she made her will using video witnessing—a temporary measure introduced during the pandemic. She felt relieved that she could finally protect her estate without the stress of arranging in-person witness visits.

But when she read in February 2024 that remote witnessing had been discontinued, she panicked. Was her will now invalid? Did she need to start over?

The temporary COVID-19 legislation allowing remote witnessing of wills ended on 31 January 2024, leaving thousands of people like Emma uncertain about their will's legal status.

If you're wondering whether you can still witness a will via video call in 2025, or whether your pandemic-era will is still valid, this article will give you the clarity you need.

Table of Contents

What Was Remote Witnessing and Why Was It Introduced?

Remote witnessing allowed the testator (the person making the will) and witnesses to be in different physical locations, connected via videoconference technology like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

The legal basis was The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020, also known as SI 2020/952. This amendment temporarily changed Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 so that "presence" included "presence by means of videoconference or other visual transmission."

The measure was introduced in September 2020, backdated to 31 January 2020, and initially set to expire on 31 January 2022. It was extended until 31 January 2024 to allow vulnerable people to make and update wills during pandemic lockdowns without physical contact.

Here's how it worked in practice: David, 72, was shielding during the COVID lockdown in March 2021. He used Zoom to have his will witnessed by his daughter in London and his solicitor in Manchester. He signed the will on camera while both witnesses watched via video, then posted the physical document to each witness for their wet signatures.

The legislation was backdated to 31 January 2020 specifically to validate wills that had been witnessed remotely during the early months of the pandemic before the law was officially changed in September 2020.

While remote witnessing provided a crucial lifeline during the pandemic, it was always intended as a temporary emergency measure. But what exactly happened when that measure expired?

What Happened on 31 January 2024? The End of Remote Witnessing

The temporary legislation expired on 31 January 2024, and the government chose not to extend it.

Justice Minister Lord Bellamy stated in Parliament that "the special circumstances which applied when this measure was put in place no longer apply," noting that in-person witnessing of wills was no longer subject to restrictions.

Despite ongoing work by the Law Commission on wills reform, the government made no extension. From 1 February 2024 onward, all wills created in England and Wales must be witnessed in person by two witnesses who are physically present at the same time.

The change took immediate effect. Any will witnessed remotely after 31 January 2024 is invalid under current UK law.

Here's the stark difference: Sarah creates a will on 30 January 2024 and has it witnessed via video call—it's legally valid. Her friend Lisa creates a will on 2 February 2024 and witnesses it via video call using the exact same process—it's completely invalid.

Remote witnessing was in effect for nearly four years, from 31 January 2020 to 31 January 2024. The Law Commission's 2023 supplementary consultation found growing acceptance of remote processes post-pandemic, but this wasn't enough to persuade the government to make the provision permanent.

Now that remote witnessing has ended, many people who created wills during the pandemic are understandably anxious. So what happens to those wills?

Are Wills Witnessed Remotely During the Pandemic Still Valid?

Yes, they remain valid. Wills executed via remote witnessing between 31 January 2020 and 31 January 2024 are legally valid under UK law.

The legislation applied retrospectively from January 2020, protecting early-pandemic wills that were created before the law was officially changed in September 2020.

However, there's an important caveat: these wills may be more susceptible to legal challenges than traditionally witnessed wills. Solicitors and legal professionals have flagged concerns about heightened risk in several areas.

Risk factors include potential claims of undue influence (harder to detect via video), questions about proper execution of the witnessing process, and technical failures during video calls that might undermine the validity claim.

James made his will via video witnessing in June 2022. When he dies in 2027, his will remains legally valid. However, his estranged son challenges it, claiming he couldn't properly verify the witnessing process via video and suspects his stepmother exerted undue influence. The court ultimately accepts the will, but James's family faces six months of legal costs and emotional stress.

Compare this to Margaret, who also made her will in June 2022 via video. In early 2025, she decided to have it re-witnessed in person, following the traditional process. When she dies in 2027, there's no challenge—the in-person witnessing is beyond dispute.

Rural populations in England include 25.4% aged 65 and over, compared with 17.1% in urban areas, highlighting that many pandemic-era will makers are elderly and may want to consider updating their wills for added security.

If you have a will that was witnessed remotely during the pandemic and you're considering having it re-done, what are your options under current law?

Current UK Will Witnessing Requirements in 2025

The law has returned to the traditional Wills Act 1837 standards. Here's exactly what you need to know.

Two witnesses are required. Both must be 18 or over, and neither can be a beneficiary of your will or married to a beneficiary. For complete details on who can witness a will, see our comprehensive guide.

Physical presence is mandatory. Both witnesses must be physically present at the same time—not at different times, not via video, not in separate locations.

Clear line of sight is essential. All three parties (you as the testator plus two witnesses) must be able to see each other and the signing. Distance is permitted as long as everyone can see clearly.

Sequential signing is required. You sign first while both witnesses watch. Then both witnesses sign in your presence and in each other's presence.

Wet signatures only. All signatures must be in ink on the same physical document. Electronic or digital signatures are not legally recognized for UK wills.

Here's a valid example: Robert signs his will in his kitchen with his neighbor and postman both standing in the kitchen watching him. Both witnesses then sign while Robert watches. The will is valid.

Invalid example 1: Robert signs with one witness in the kitchen on Monday, then emails the will to a second witness who signs alone on Wednesday. The will is invalid because both witnesses weren't present at the same time.

Invalid example 2: Robert and his two witnesses are on a Zoom call. Robert signs on camera while the witnesses watch via video. The will is invalid because witnesses aren't physically present.

Safe distance example: During flu season, elderly Margaret signs her will sitting by her open patio door, with two witnesses standing in the garden two meters away. They all have clear line of sight. The will is valid because physical presence and visibility are maintained.

If a will isn't properly witnessed according to UK law, it will be declared invalid by a court, and the estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules rather than the deceased's wishes.

But what if you have mobility challenges, live in a remote area, or find it difficult to arrange in-person witnessing? Let's explore your options.

Alternative Options for People Who Can't Easily Arrange In-Person Witnessing

You have more options than you might think, even without remote witnessing.

Physical distance witnessing remains valid as long as clear line of sight exists. Witnesses can be in separate rooms, gardens, or even watching through windows—the key is that everyone can see each other and the signing clearly.

Signature by proxy is available if you cannot physically sign due to disability. Someone else can sign on your behalf in the presence of two witnesses, but your solicitor must add a special attestation clause to the will explaining this arrangement.

Mobile witnessing services are offered by some solicitors and will-writing services. They'll send someone to your home to guide you through the process and serve as one of the witnesses.

Community resources can help. Banks, GP surgeries, libraries, and local councils sometimes have staff who can witness documents. While they may charge a small fee, it's typically much less than a full solicitor's fee.

Neighbors and local contacts make excellent witnesses as long as they're not beneficiaries. Friends, neighbors, colleagues, postal workers, or tradespeople who visit your home can all serve as witnesses.

Claire, 75, has severe arthritis and can't write. Her solicitor adds an attestation clause to her will, and her carer signs the will on Claire's behalf while two nurses witness the signing. The will is legally valid.

Tom lives in a remote Scottish village with no nearby solicitors. He completes his WUHLD will online, then asks his local postman and the village shop owner to witness his signature when they deliver groceries. Simple, effective, and legally watertight.

During winter flu season, elderly George signs his will in his living room while his two neighbors watch through his patio window from the garden. They maintain physical distance for health reasons while ensuring legal validity.

For households in remote rural areas, access to legal services can be challenging, making these alternative witnessing options particularly valuable.

While the current law requires in-person witnessing, the legal landscape may not stay this way forever. What does the future hold?

Will Remote Witnessing Return? The Law Commission's Recommendations

The Law Commission published its final report "Modernising Wills Law" in May 2025, which includes significant recommendations for electronic wills and remote witnessing.

The Commission recommends that remote witnessing should be permitted under certain conditions. These include requirements for secure systems, proper identity verification of all parties, and protection from unauthorized alteration or destruction of the will.

They also recommend recognizing electronic wills, provided they use a "reliable system" that verifies the identity of the testator and witnesses, clearly distinguishes the original from copies, and prevents unauthorized changes.

The Law Commission's 2023 supplementary consultation revealed growing acceptance of remote and digital processes shaped by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents a shift from the initial 2017 consultation, which expressed significant hesitation about electronic wills.

However, the government has not committed to implementing these recommendations. They have up to one year to respond formally to Law Commission reports, but even if accepted, legislation could take years to pass through Parliament.

Here's what might be possible in the future: In 2027, following new legislation, Emma completes her will electronically using a secure platform that verifies her identity with biometric authentication. She signs digitally, and two witnesses verify via video link using the same secure system. The platform creates an immutable record.

But this is not currently legal. In 2025, Emma must complete her will on paper or online (then print it), sign it in the presence of two physical witnesses, and store the original safely.

Understanding the history and potential future is helpful, but right now in 2025, you need to know the practical steps to get your will witnessed correctly.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Will Witnessed Correctly in 2025

Follow these seven steps to ensure your will is legally valid.

Step 1: Complete your will. Write your will yourself or use an online service like WUHLD to create a legally compliant document.

Step 2: Print your will. Ensure you have a clean, printed copy with no edits, annotations, or corrections. Use good quality paper.

Step 3: Find two witnesses. Identify two people aged 18 or over who are not beneficiaries and not married to beneficiaries. They don't need to read the will—they just need to watch you sign it.

Step 4: Gather in one place. All three of you must be together at the same time with clear line of sight. A kitchen table, living room, or garden works well.

Step 5: Sign your will. You (the testator) sign at the end of the will in the presence of both witnesses. Use a black or blue pen, not pencil.

Step 6: Witnesses sign. Both witnesses sign in your presence and in each other's presence, adding their full names and addresses below their signatures (addresses aren't legally required but are strongly recommended).

Step 7: Store safely. Keep the original will in a secure location like a fireproof safe, and tell your executor exactly where it is.

Here's a complete example: Rachel completes her WUHLD will online in 15 minutes. She prints it at home on Thursday. She invites her colleague Anna and her neighbor Ben to her flat on Saturday afternoon.

All three sit at Rachel's kitchen table. Rachel signs the will at the end while Anna and Ben watch. Then Anna signs while Rachel and Ben watch. Finally, Ben signs while Rachel and Anna watch. Both witnesses add their full names and addresses.

Rachel stores the original in a fireproof safe at home and tells her sister (her executor) exactly where it is.

Use a table or flat surface so everyone can see clearly. Don't let anyone leave the room during the signing process. Don't staple, paperclip, or make any marks on the will after signing—this can raise questions about tampering.

Even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. Here are the common witnessing errors to avoid in 2025.

Common Witnessing Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

These seven mistakes can invalidate your will or void gifts to beneficiaries.

Mistake 1: Using a beneficiary as a witness. If a beneficiary or their spouse witnesses your will, that beneficiary's gift becomes void under Section 15 of the Wills Act 1837, even though the rest of the will remains valid. For all UK will requirements, see our complete legal guide.

Andrew names his son Thomas as the main beneficiary of his £400,000 estate. He asks Thomas to witness the will. When Andrew dies, Thomas's inheritance is void, and the money goes to other beneficiaries or is distributed under intestacy rules instead.

Mistake 2: Witnesses signing at different times or locations. Both witnesses must be present at the same time when the testator signs, and they must sign while the testator is present.

Sophie signs her will at home on Monday with one witness present. On Wednesday, she takes the will to work and has a colleague sign as the second witness. The will is invalid because both witnesses weren't present at the same time.

Mistake 3: Attempting to use video witnessing after 31 January 2024. This is no longer legal under any circumstances.

In March 2025, elderly Peter tries to save time by having his will witnessed via Zoom. His will is completely invalid under current law, and when he dies, his estate is distributed by intestacy rules, which may not reflect his wishes at all.

Mistake 4: Using only one witness instead of two. UK law requires two witnesses. One witness is not sufficient, no matter how reliable or credible that person is.

Mistake 5: Witnesses not being present when the testator signs. Witnesses must actually see you sign. Telling them you've already signed doesn't count.

Mistake 6: Using a blind person as a witness. Witnesses must be able to see you sign. A blind person cannot fulfill this legal requirement.

Mistake 7: Using electronic or digital signatures. All signatures must be wet signatures in ink. Electronic signatures, DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or any digital signature method is not legally recognized for UK wills.

Now that you understand the current law and common mistakes, let's address your most frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use video witnessing for my will in 2025?

No, remote witnessing of wills is no longer permitted in England and Wales as of 1 February 2024. All new wills must be witnessed in person by two independent witnesses who are physically present at the time of signing. The temporary COVID-19 legislation that allowed video witnessing expired on 31 January 2024.

Is my will still valid if it was witnessed via video during the pandemic?

Yes, wills that were witnessed via video between 31 January 2020 and 31 January 2024 remain legally valid. However, these wills may be more susceptible to legal challenges and disputes than traditionally witnessed wills. It's advisable to review your video-witnessed will with a solicitor and consider having it re-witnessed in person for additional security.

What were the legal requirements for video witnessing when it was allowed?

When video witnessing was permitted, the execution had to happen in real time via videoconference or visual transmission. The testator and both witnesses needed to sign the same physical document with wet signatures (not electronic). The witnesses had to have a clear line of sight to watch the testator sign, and the same document had to be transported to each witness for their signatures.

Will remote witnessing ever return to UK law?

It's possible but uncertain. The Law Commission published a report in 2023 recommending that remote witnessing be permitted under certain conditions, including requirements for secure systems and identity verification. However, the government has not committed to implementing these recommendations. Any changes would require new legislation, which could take years to pass through Parliament.

What options do mobility-impaired or disabled people have for witnessing wills?

If you cannot sign your will due to a physical impairment, someone else can legally sign on your behalf in the presence of two witnesses. Your solicitor must add a special attestation clause to the will explaining this arrangement. Witnesses can also maintain physical distance (through a window, in a garden, or in a separate room through an open door) as long as everyone has a clear line of sight to watch the signing.

Why did the government end video witnessing of wills?

The government decided not to extend the temporary provision because "the special circumstances which applied when this measure was put in place no longer apply." There were concerns about increased risk of undue influence, potential for fraud, technical issues with video quality and internet connections, and complexity in execution requiring multiple steps and document transportation.

What happens if I witness a will incorrectly in 2025?

If a will isn't properly witnessed according to current UK law (with two witnesses physically present at the same time), it will be declared invalid by a court. This means the estate would be distributed according to intestacy rules rather than the deceased's wishes, potentially leaving intended beneficiaries with nothing and causing significant family disputes.

Making Your Will with Confidence in 2025

Remote witnessing is no longer legal in the UK as of 1 February 2024, but creating a valid will is still straightforward.

Key takeaways:

  • Remote witnessing of wills is no longer legal in the UK as of 1 February 2024
  • Wills witnessed remotely between 31 January 2020 and 31 January 2024 remain valid but may be more vulnerable to challenge
  • All new wills must be witnessed in person by two independent witnesses who are physically present at the same time
  • Alternatives exist for people with mobility challenges or in remote locations, including safe-distance witnessing and signature by proxy
  • The Law Commission has recommended allowing remote witnessing in the future, but no legislation has been passed yet

While the end of remote witnessing may feel like a step backward, the law is designed to protect your wishes and prevent fraud. The good news is that in-person witnessing doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming—with the right preparation, you can complete the process in minutes and gain peace of mind knowing your will is legally watertight.

Still wondering if you need a solicitor to make your will? For most straightforward estates, you don't. WUHLD makes creating a legally valid will simple and affordable. For just £99.99, you can complete your will online in 15 minutes, then print and witness it following our clear step-by-step guidance.

You'll receive four complete documents—your will plus three supporting guides—with no subscriptions or hidden fees:

  • Your complete, legally binding will
  • A 12-page Testator Guide explaining how to execute your will properly
  • A Witness Guide to give to your witnesses
  • A Complete Asset Inventory document

You can preview your will free before paying anything—no credit card required—and get absolute confidence that you're protecting your family's future.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about will witnessing requirements in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation, particularly if you have concerns about a will witnessed remotely during the pandemic or need accommodations for disability, please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations may require professional legal advice.

Additional Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of 20 October 2025. Wills law may change, and you should verify current legal requirements before creating or executing a will. If you have specific concerns about a will created during the COVID-19 pandemic, consider seeking advice from a solicitor specializing in wills and probate.

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