IHTM12043 - Wills: requirements for making a valid will

The statutory rules for making a will in England & Wales are to be found in S9 Wills Act 1837, as amended by S17 Administration of Justice Act 1982 which substitutes new wording into the original S9.

Section 7 Wills Act as amended by S3 (1)(a) Family Reform Act 1969 stipulates the age requirement (IHTM12045).

In Northern Ireland, the position is the same in both respects, by virtue of S.5 & S4 respectively of the Wills and Administration (Proceedings (NI) Order 1994.

In Scotland, (IHTM12047) the are different rules depending on whether the will was made on or after 1 August 1995.