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.