Originally published: October 30, 2014 | Last updated: January 4, 2026
Why Do UK Expats Need a Separate UK Will?
If you hold assets in the United Kingdom — property, bank accounts, investments — those assets are governed by English and Welsh estate planning law. A Will written under Thai, Australian, or any other country’s law will not be accepted by UK probate courts, regardless of the language it is written in.
This means you need at minimum two Wills: one for your UK assets written under English law, and one for assets in your country of residence written under that country’s laws. The two Wills must be carefully drafted so they do not revoke or contradict each other.
What Are the Common Mistakes UK Expats Make?
| Mistake | Why It Is a Problem |
|---|---|
| Using a free blank template | Blank kits are typically inadequate — missing alternate plans, trusts for minors, and executor powers. A well-drafted Will contains over 20 clauses across 5-6 pages. |
| Using a holographic (handwritten) Will | Handwritten Wills almost always omit critical legal provisions and are far more likely to be challenged in court. |
| Creating a Will that revokes other Wills | Standard Wills begin with “I revoke all previous Wills.” This cancels any Will you have in your country of residence. |
| Leaving “my entire estate” to one person | Without specifying “my UK assets only,” this language creates conflicts with Wills covering assets elsewhere. |
| Assuming a solicitor trip is unnecessary | If using a traditional solicitor, you must sign the original document in person — scanned or faxed signatures are not legally valid for probate. |
What Are the Correct Steps for UK Expats?
- Create a local Will for assets in your country of residence, working with a local lawyer if needed
- Create a UK Will under English law that deals exclusively with your UK assets
- Ensure the two Wills complement each other — neither should revoke the other, and each should clearly state it covers only assets in its respective jurisdiction
- Sign each Will properly — in the presence of two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries (witnesses do not need to be UK residents or nationals)
Key Takeaway
UK courts will not accept a Will written under foreign law for UK assets. The document must comply with English and Welsh legal requirements and must be an original, signed document — not a scan, fax, or digital copy.
How Can You Write a UK Will While Living Abroad?
The service at ExpatLegalWills.com is a fully interactive online service that creates a UK Will under English and Welsh law from anywhere in the world. The service:
- Guides you through questions about your family situation and intentions
- Only allows provisions that are legal under English law
- Creates a Will that deals exclusively with your UK assets
- Works in a complementary way with any Will written in your country of residence
- Takes about 20 minutes and costs £24.95
Once completed, you download, print, and sign the document in the presence of two witnesses — anywhere in the world. There are no citizenship or residency requirements for Will witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Will written in another country to cover UK assets?
No. UK probate courts require a Will written under English and Welsh law. A Will drafted under Thai, French, or Australian law — even if written in English — will not be accepted for UK assets.
Do I need to travel to the UK to sign my UK Will?
Not if you use ExpatLegalWills.com. You can create, download, print, and sign your UK Will from any location. Witnesses do not need to be British nationals or UK residents.
Can my two Wills cancel each other?
Yes, if they are not carefully drafted. Standard Wills often begin with a clause revoking all previous Wills. ExpatLegalWills.com creates Wills specifically designed to complement — not cancel — your other Wills.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
- Am I Too Young to Write a Last Will and Testament? - March 1, 2026
- Wills Glossary: Estate Planning Terms Explained in Plain Language - February 22, 2026
- How to Write a Legal Will: The Signing Process Explained - February 15, 2026
