Over half of East Midlands adults back digital Wills as law remains stuck in 1837

Credit: Onclusive News

A survey conducted by Will Aid reveals a growing disconnect between public expectations and UK law, as 53% of adults in the East Midlands now believe they should be legally permitted to sign and store their Wills electronically – closely reflecting the national figure of 54%.

Despite the rapid digitisation of financial services, the Wills Act 1837 continues to govern inheritance in the UK. To date, a fully electronic Will remains legally invalid. Documents can be drafted online, however, they must still be printed and signed in ‘wet ink’ to be recognised.

• A survey of 2,000 people across the UK, carried out by the charity Will-writing campaign Will Aid, has uncovered a significant appetite for reform both nationally and at a regional level.
• Electronic Wills: In the East Midlands, 53% of people agree that Wills should be signed and stored online.
• Video witnessing: 40% of respondents in the East Midlands believe that witnessing should be allowed via platforms like Zoom or FaceTime, a practice that was temporarily permitted during the pandemic but has since ceased to be legal.
• Resistance to change: Despite the push for technology, caution remains. In the East Midlands, 18% of respondents oppose electronic signing and 32% are against remote witnessing – compared to 16% and 23% respectively across the UK – citing potential security concerns.

The Law Commission published its landmark Modernising Wills Law report in May 2025. The report recommended sweeping changes, including the formal recognition of electronic Wills and the permanent introduction of remote witnessing. However, these recommendations are still awaiting government implementation.

Lauren Smith, a Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate at a qualified firm, said: “Unfortunately, the law never seems to move as fast as technology, and often people tend to forget this. Whilst so much of everyday life is now dealt with online it is important to realise that Wills must still meet certain criteria which was set out nearly 200 years ago.

“There are discussions of reforms, but lots of factors have to be considered to ensure that the Will maker is protected – and to ensure that a Will cannot be unlawfully made on behalf of someone else! Professional advice is essential to ensure that your wishes are met, and your loved ones are not left a mountain of problems to deal with after your death.”

“The public is clearly ready for the law to modernise in this respect,” says Will Aid’s Campaign Director, Peter de Vena Franks. “While the Law Commission has provided a roadmap for modernising these Victorian-era rules, we would welcome the changes come in sooner rather than later.

“What is really important when it comes to making a Will is to liaise with a solicitor who will provide the gold standard of Will writing. That’s why the annual Will Aid campaign in November is so special, our firms volunteer their time and expertise to ensure everyone who takes advantage of the scheme has a Will drafted by an expert. Not only does that provide essential peace of mind that your wishes will be met, but it also helps eight of the UK’s most loved charities continue to carry out the exceptional work they do.”

Will Aid is a nationwide campaign that takes place every November and sees participating solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to write basic Wills, waiving their usual fee in exchange for a voluntary donation.

Suggested donations are £120 for a single Will and £200 for a pair of mirror Wills – with all donations supporting the vital work of eight leading UK charities.

These include Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Crisis, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Shelter and Trócaire (Northern Ireland).

If making or revising your Will is on your to-do list this year, you can sign up to be the first to know when Will Aid 2026 opens for bookings. Appointments do go very quickly, so it is advisable to sign up now by clicking here.