Originally published: October 30, 2014 | Last updated: January 15, 2026
TL;DR: If you are a UK citizen living abroad with assets in the UK, you need a UK Last Will and Testament written under English law ; separate from any Will in your country of residence. You cannot use a Thai, Australian, or French Will to cover UK assets. A UK Will prepared through a solicitor typically requires an expensive trip back to the UK for signing. ExpatLegalWills.com lets you create a valid UK Will from anywhere in the world in about 20 minutes.
Why Do UK Expats Need a Separate UK Will?
The United Kingdom holds your assets which include property and bank accounts and investments so you must follow English and Welsh estate planning regulations. UK probate courts will reject any Will which originates from Thai or Australian or other foreign legal systems even when someone writes it in their native language.
You need to create two separate Wills which should include one English law-based document for your UK assets and another document for your residence country assets which follows its legal system. The two Wills need proper wording to stop them from canceling each other or creating opposing instructions.
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
The two Wills need to function as mutual complements because they should maintain their individual power without canceling each other while specifying their asset jurisdiction boundaries.
The will requires correct signatures from two adult witnesses who should not benefit from the will and who can reside anywhere in the world as long as they meet the witness requirements. - 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; no scanned or faxed or digital copies are accepted.
How Can You Write a UK Will While Living Abroad?
The service at ExpatLegalWills.com allows users to create their UK Will through an interactive online platform which follows English and Welsh law and operates worldwide. The service:
- Offers you a step-by-step process which asks about your family members and your future plans
Only allows provisions that are legal under English law
Creates a Will that deals exclusively with your UK assets
Takes about 20 minutes and costs £24.95 - You must download the document after finishing the process which requires you to print it before signing in front of two witnesses who can be located anywhere around the world. There are no citizenship or residency requirements for Will witnesses.
- 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.
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