Making your Will over the phone can feel like the simplest way to get it done, especially if you are busy, live some distance away or find travel difficult. At A.D.E. Wills, we take Online Will instructions by video appointment, and we use the phone as a backup whenever video is not practical. So you can still make your Will from home, at a time that suits you, without needing a webcam.
This post explains how the process works, what you receive, and what the law requires before your Will is valid.
Can you make a Will over the phone?
Yes. You can give your instructions for a Will over the phone, and the Will is just as valid as one arranged face to face. However, the phone call is only the first step. The way you give instructions does not make a Will valid. Instead, validity depends on how the Will is signed and witnessed.
Under the law of England and Wales, your Will must be in writing and signed by you. Also, you must sign it, or acknowledge your signature, in the presence of two witnesses who are both there at the same time. Each witness then signs in your presence. These rules are set out in section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.
Remote witnessing by video was allowed for a short period, but it ended on 31 January 2024. So, even when you make your Will over the phone, the signing itself must happen in person.
Video first, phone as a backup
We usually hold Online Will appointments by video, because it helps to see each other and look at documents together. However, we know video does not suit everyone. For example, your internet connection may be unreliable, or you may simply prefer to talk on the phone. In that case, we can take your instructions by telephone instead.
The service, the price and what you receive are the same either way. Telephone instruction is not a separate service; it is part of our Online Will service.
How making a Will over the phone works
- Free initial chat. First, call or email us for a free, no-obligation chat about what you need.
- Your appointment. Next, we arrange a video appointment, or a phone call if video is not practical. We talk through your family, your property and your wishes, and we explain the choices you need to make.
- Your draft Will. Then we prepare your draft Will. With it, you receive a personalised booklet explaining your draft Will clause by clause, so you can check it says what you mean.
- Changes. If anything needs adjusting, just tell us. Unlimited draft changes are included.
- Your printed Will. Finally, once you approve the final draft, we post your printed Will to you with a step-by-step Signing Guide and a complimentary pen.
We send our invoice with your draft. Payment is due within 14 days, and before we post your final Will.
What you receive
Every Online Will includes:
- unlimited draft changes
- a personalised booklet explaining your draft Will clause by clause
- your printed Will, bound with a hard plastic front cover and card back on cream paper, posted to you
- a step-by-step Signing Guide and a complimentary pen
How much does it cost?
An Online Will is a fixed fee of £245 for a single Will or £405 for a couple. No VAT is charged. If you need something extra, such as a trust, we explain it and give you the price before you decide. You can see all our fees on the Wills Pricing page.
Signing your Will after a phone appointment
Because your Will must be signed in person, the Signing Guide explains each step. In short, you need two independent adult witnesses with you at the same time. A witness should not be someone who benefits from your Will, or the spouse or civil partner of someone who does. If they are, the Will stays valid, but that person loses their gift.
If you would like help with signing, we also offer a Will Signing Service and a Second Witness Service. Both are listed on the pricing page.
Keeping your Will up to date
Life changes, so your Will may need to change too. For example, if you marry or form a civil partnership, your existing Will is usually revoked. We offer an Update service for minor changes. Also, our Safe Will Plan stores your original Will safely and includes a free yearly review.
Book your free initial chat
If you would like to make your Will over the phone or by video, we are happy to help. Call us on 01865 507174 or email info@adewills.co.uk. You can also read more on our Online Wills page.
