Invalid Wills Can Undo Your Final Wishes—Here's How to Stop It

Your will is one of the most important documents you'll ever create. It ensures that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for when you're no longer here. But what happens if your will isn't valid? Unfortunately, even small mistakes can make a will invalid—and the consequences can be serious.

Why Does an Invalid Will Matter?

If a will is declared invalid, your estate may not be distributed as you intended. The courts may fall back on:

A previous version of your will (if it exists)
Or the rules of intestacy, which decide who inherits based on legal default—ignoring your personal wishes

This can lead to family disputes, delays, extra costs, and heartache for the people you care about most.

Common Reasons a Will Can Be Invalid

1. Not Following the Legal Formalities

For a will to be legally binding in England and Wales, it must:

Be made by someone over 18
Be made voluntarily and without pressure
Be made by someone of sound mind (more about this below)
Be signed by the will-maker (testator) in the presence of two witnesses
Be signed by both witnesses, in the testator's presence

If any of these steps are missed—or done incorrectly—the will may be challenged or dismissed entirely.

2. Lack of Mental Capacity or Undue Influence

If the person writing the will didn't have mental capacity at the time, or if they were coerced into signing, the will may be invalid. This is why clarity, witness signatures, and timing all matter greatly.

3. Errors, Alterations, or Using a Copy Instead of the Original

Any handwritten changes after the will is signed—or submitting a copy instead of the original—can cast doubt on its validity. The courts typically require the original signed document.

How Can You Invalidate a Will Yourself?

Wills can also be voluntarily revoked—intentionally made invalid. This happens if:

You create a new will, which automatically overrides any previous ones
You physically destroy your old will (e.g. tearing or shredding it)
You write a codicil that replaces or alters part of the original document

If you destroy a will without replacing it, you could die intestate—without a valid will—which means the government decides how your estate is divided.

Life Events That Can Affect Your Will

Certain life events don't automatically invalidate a will—but they can change how it's interpreted. That's why regular updates are key.

Marriage

Marriage automatically cancels any existing will unless it specifically says it was made in contemplation of that marriage.

Divorce

After divorce, your ex-spouse is treated as if they've died—so they won't inherit. But if no back-up plan is included, parts of your will may fall under intestacy rules.

Moving House

A change of address doesn't invalidate your will. But keeping addresses up to date for executors, guardians, and beneficiaries can prevent confusion later on.

How Legacy Bridge Helps You Avoid These Mistakes

Writing your will with Legacy Bridge gives you structure, support, and peace of mind. You'll:

Follow clear, step-by-step guidance
Know your will meets legal requirements
Get help whenever you need it
Be able to edit your will online, anytime your life changes
Avoid the risk of invalid documents, missed signatures, or costly oversights

Final Thought: Validity Matters More Than You Think

A will only protects your wishes if it’s valid.

By understanding what can make a will invalid—and by choosing a will-writing service that ensures everything is done correctly—you’re giving your family the clarity they’ll need during a difficult time.

Take 15 minutes today to create your will online with Legacy Bridge. It's quick, simple, and legally binding—because peace of mind shouldn't be complicated.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance relevant to your situation, please consult a qualified legal professional.

Last updated: May 7, 2025