Start My Scottish Will

How Do You Sign a Will Properly in Scotland?

This plain-English guide explains exactly how to sign a will properly in Scotland. It covers where to sign, who can witness your will, and the common mistakes that cause problems later.

If you simply want to get your own will in place, you can make a Scottish will online here for a fixed price. Otherwise, read on and take your time.

If you want the wider context first, you may find the main Scottish Wills Guide helpful.

Contents

1. Why signing your will properly matters

Many wills fail in practice not because the wording is wrong, but because the signing was done incorrectly. A will can look sensible, fair and well written — but if it is not signed properly, it can create delays, extra costs, or disputes later.

In Scotland, the signing and witnessing rules are relatively simple. The problem is that people often rush the final step or make assumptions based on English rules, which are slightly different.

2. The basic signing rules in Scotland

In simple terms, a Scottish will is usually signed properly if:

  • The will is printed as a physical document.
  • You sign the will yourself (you cannot delegate this).
  • You sign at the end of the document where indicated.
  • You sign the final page in front of one witness.
  • The witness then signs as witness.

If any of these steps are missing or done incorrectly, the will can be challenged or delayed later.

For the wider legal requirements, see: What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Scotland?

3. Step-by-step: how to sign a Scottish will

For most people, the safest way to sign a will in Scotland is to follow this process:

  1. Print the full will, including all pages.
  2. Read through the document carefully before signing.
  3. Sign or initial every page if your will instructions ask you to do so.
  4. On the final page, sign your full name where indicated for the testator.
  5. Have your witness present in the same room when you sign the final page.
  6. The witness then signs and adds their details where shown.

Do not sign the will first and then ask someone to witness it later. The witness must be present when you sign the final page.

4. Who can witness a will in Scotland?

In Scotland, a will usually requires one witness. Your witness should:

  • Be over 16 years old.
  • Have mental capacity.
  • Be present when you sign the final page.

It is best practice for the witness to be independent. Ideally, your witness should not be someone who benefits from the will.

Common suitable witnesses include:

  • A friend or neighbour.
  • A colleague.
  • Someone unrelated to you.

Using a beneficiary (or their partner) as a witness can create unnecessary complications later.

5. Common signing mistakes to avoid

These are the most common signing issues we see with Scottish wills:

  • Signing the will in the wrong place.
  • Forgetting to sign the final page.
  • Witness not present when the will was signed.
  • Witness details missing or incomplete.
  • Assuming English witnessing rules apply in Scotland.
  • Rushing the signing without checking instructions.

These mistakes are easy to avoid if you slow down and follow the instructions carefully.

6. How signing works for online Scottish wills

An online will does not become legal simply because you completed a form online. The legal effect comes from the printed, signed document.

When you use an online Scottish will service:

  • Your will is drafted using Scots law wording.
  • You receive a completed Will Pack.
  • You must print, sign and witness the will correctly.

As long as the signing and witnessing steps are followed properly, an online will can be legally valid in Scotland.

For a full explanation, see: Are Online Wills Legal in Scotland?

7. Quick FAQs

Do I need more than one witness in Scotland?

Usually no. One witness is the normal requirement for a Scottish will.

Can my spouse or partner witness my will?

It is strongly discouraged. If your spouse or partner benefits from the will, it is safer to use an independent witness.

Do I need to sign every page?

Some Scottish wills ask you to sign or initial every page as a safeguard. Always follow the instructions provided with your will.

What happens if my will is signed incorrectly?

It can cause delays, extra legal costs, or disputes when your estate is dealt with. This is why careful signing matters.

Ready to put your Scottish will in place?

If your situation is reasonably straightforward and you want a clear process at a fixed cost, you can start your Scottish will online here. The process usually takes around ten minutes.

If you want the full overview, you can also read the main Scottish Wills Guide or learn more about ScottishWill here.