For Life insurers the issue of valid Wills is a crucial one. Often it means that payments on policies cannot be made until a valid Will is found and beneficiaries agree that the terms, codicils and named assets are all as they should be. When company control, or overseas assets are involved even more complications can arise.
It’s obvious that the 20th century process of writing a Will and depositing it with a solictor is outdated. Reform is needed, not just in e-signatures, validation of ID at the time of writing, but the speedy execution of legal challenges to Wills by aggrieved family members or friends who believe they have a claim to cash or assets. Here are some insights from FreeWills.
Changes to the outdated, antiquated process of writing a Will might finally be around the corner, according to one industry expert, who says that, for too long the legal system has maintained a system that feels outdated and inaccessible, leaving many people hesitant to engage with the process.
Carl Christensen, founder of online, solicitor-checked service FreeWills (one of the largest will writers in the UK), says he’s witnessed first hand how the process of writing a Will in the UK has been unnecessarily complex, slow, and often shrouded in mystery. But that all might be about to change.
He said: “The proposed Wills Act 2025 is, in my view, a long-overdue step towards modernising an industry that has resisted change for far too long.”
The foundations of UK Will law are built on the Wills Act 1837 – legislation that has remained largely untouched for nearly two centuries.
Carl added: “While the principles of protecting individuals’ final wishes are sound, the process itself has become tangled in tradition, with layers of legal complexity that can deter the average person. Solicitors and legal professionals have, perhaps inadvertently, created an environment where the process feels intimidating and inaccessible.”
In a digital age where we can manage our finances, health, and even legal affairs online, the process of writing a Will has lagged behind, says Carl, adding: “The Pandemic brought temporary measures like remote witnessing, showing that change is possible. Yet, these changes are still viewed as exceptions rather than the norm.”
Among other things The Wills Act 2025 proposes to:
Recognise Electronic Wills: This could make Will-writing faster, more accessible, and more aligned with modern lifestyles.
Revise Marriage and Civil Partnership Rules: Preventing automatic revocation of Wills upon marriage or civil partnership will provide greater certainty and protect existing legacy wishes.
Carl said: “These are not just minor adjustments; they represent a significant shift towards simplifying and demystifying the process.”
But why has it taken so long?
“It’s a fair question,” said Carl. “The Wills Act 1837 has stood the test of time, but with it came a resistance to change. Tradition, bureaucracy, and a cautious legal culture have all contributed to delays in reform.”
While society has embraced digital transformation in many areas, Will-writing has generally remained anchored in the past, says Carl. The complexity of legislative reform, coupled with concerns about security and authenticity in electronic processes, has slowed progress.
He adds: “The need for clarity, accessibility, and simplicity is now undeniable, and the move to online Will writing becoming the norm is unstoppable.
“It’s time for the Will-writing industry to embrace innovation and transparency. We should be moving towards a system that encourages accessibility and simplicity, empowering people to take control of their legacy planning without unnecessary legal jargon or complexity.
The Wills Act 2025 has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change, says Carl — a chance to demystify an industry that has, for too long, been seen as exclusive and slow to innovate.
“Change is coming, and it’s long overdue,” he says.
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