UK Moves Closer to Legalising Electronic Wills: What You Need to Know and How Parachute Law Can Help

The United Kingdom is on the brink of one of the most significant updates to inheritance law in over a century. With the Law Commission recommending the legalisation of electronic wills, the future of will-making is rapidly shifting toward digital formats.

For individuals, this means easier access to will-writing tools, fewer barriers to proper estate planning, and potentially a reduction in contested wills. For legal professionals and online firms like Parachute Law, it’s an opportunity to offer faster, more flexible services while maintaining the legal integrity that protects your final wishes.

Whether you already have a will or have never written one before, now is the time to understand how these changes will affect you—and what you can do today to prepare for a digital future.

What Is Changing in UK Wills Law?

At present, wills in England and Wales must meet the requirements of the Wills Act 1837, a Victorian-era statute that remains the foundation of UK inheritance law. Under this law, a valid will must:

• Be in writing (on paper)
• Be signed by the testator (the person making the will)
• Be witnessed by two people, who must both be physically present when the will is signed

While this approach offers a level of security, it is increasingly out of step with modern life. The current rules present challenges for people who:

• Live abroad but own UK property or assets
• Are housebound or have limited mobility
• Want to update their will frequently without visiting a solicitor
• Wish to store important legal documents digitally

Recognising these issues, the Law Commission’s "Modernising Wills Law" report, published in May 2025, recommends legal reforms to bring wills into the 21st century. Chief among them: the recognition of electronic wills as legally valid.

What Is an Electronic Will?

An electronic will, or e-will, is a legally binding will that is created, signed, and stored in a digital format. While the specific legal requirements have not yet been enacted, early proposals suggest that e-wills may include:

• A document created using an online platform
• A digital signature from the testator
• Witnessing by two individuals, possibly via live video link
• Secure digital storage, with tamper-proof protections

The goal is to make will-making easier, more accessible, and more secure—especially in a world where we manage everything else online, from our taxes to our bank accounts.

Why This Matters: The Benefits of Electronic Wills

The shift toward electronic wills isn’t just about convenience—it has practical and legal advantages that could help protect families and estates for years to come.

1. Increased Accessibility

People with disabilities, those living in rural areas, or expats managing UK assets will be able to create valid wills without facing logistical hurdles.

2. Reduced Human Error

Many paper wills are invalidated due to mistakes in signing or witnessing. Digital platforms can guide users step-by-step to ensure the document is legally sound.

3. Easier Updates

Life changes—marriage, divorce, children, property purchases. With e-wills, individuals can more easily update their documents as needed without starting from scratch.

4. Secure Storage

Digitally stored wills can be protected by encryption, timestamping, and cloud backups, reducing the risk of documents being lost, destroyed, or tampered with.

5. Less Disputes

A will that is properly witnessed, digitally signed, and securely stored may be less likely to be challenged in court, especially if the process is recorded and auditable.

What Does This Mean for You Right Now?

Although electronic wills are not yet legally valid in England and Wales, the momentum for change is clear. Reform is coming—and soon.

But this doesn’t mean you should wait. At Parachute Law, we recommend that everyone ensure they have a valid will in place under the current rules, which we can then update or digitise once the new laws take effect.

Creating a valid will now means:

• Your assets and estate are protected
• Your loved ones have clear instructions
• You reduce the risk of disputes or probate delays
• You’re ready to transition to digital formats when they become legal

If you pass away without a will (known as dying intestate), your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy—not necessarily according to your wishes.

Parachute Law’s Role in the Future of Wills

At Parachute Law, we combine traditional legal experience with a modern, online-first approach to client service. We're not just adapting to changes in the law—we’re helping shape them.

Here’s how we’re preparing for the future of electronic wills:

Compliant Wills You Can Update Digitally

We draft wills that meet current legal requirements but are structured in a way that makes future digital updates easier once e-wills become law.

Remote Consultations

We already offer full-service will drafting via phone, video call, or email—no in-office visits needed.

Secure Digital Storage

We can store your will electronically and maintain a physical original to ensure it’s accessible if needed.

Future-Proofed Legal Advice

We’ll notify clients when e-wills become legal and help transition their documents as smoothly as possible.

Fixed-Fee Pricing

No hidden charges. Just straightforward legal advice, will drafting, and support.

The Legaltech Landscape: How Parachute Law Stands Out

Many online will-writing tools are springing up across the UK. Some offer low-cost, templated wills you can fill out yourself. While these can be helpful in straightforward cases, they don’t replace proper legal guidance—especially if you:

• Own property or businesses
• Have children from previous relationships
• Are concerned about inheritance tax
• Want to include trusts or protect vulnerable beneficiaries
• Need to make foreign-based arrangements

At Parachute Law, every will is reviewed and approved by a qualified solicitor. We provide guidance tailored to your family structure, financial position, and long-term goals—something automated platforms simply can’t do.

And as the shift to electronic wills accelerates, we’re ready to offer the perfect balance of modern digital tools and real legal expertise.

What Happens Next?

The Law Commission’s report is likely to trigger legislative changes in the near future. While no fixed date has been announced, it’s expected that:

• Draft legislation will be introduced to Parliament in 2025 or early 2026
• Rules around digital signatures, remote witnessing, and storage will be set out
• The Ministry of Justice may trial pilot schemes for e-wills before full rollout
• Legal professionals and tech providers will be required to meet strict compliance standards

At Parachute Law, we’ll be keeping a close eye on these developments and updating our clients and services accordingly.

What Should You Do Today?

You don’t need to wait for the law to change to take action. Here are three steps you can take right now:

1. Make or Update Your Will

If you don’t have a will—or your will is over five years old—it’s time to get one in place. We can help you draft a legally valid document that reflects your current wishes and family situation.

2. Store It Securely

We can help you store both digital and physical copies of your will to ensure it’s accessible when needed.

3. Stay Informed

Join our mailing list or follow us online to receive updates as the law evolves. When electronic wills become legal, you’ll be among the first to know.

Let’s Plan for the Future—Together

Change is coming to the world of wills, and it’s a positive shift. Electronic wills have the potential to make estate planning more accessible, efficient, and secure for everyone.

But legal change takes time—and in the meantime, you still need a valid will to protect your family, your assets, and your wishes.

At Parachute Law, we’re ready to guide you through every step—from traditional will-writing to the digital future that lies ahead.

Ready to secure your estate?

Call us: 0207 183 4547
Or email: thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
Or book a consultation online

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