Petition · past parliament

Stop Lawyers, (Solicitors, their family members and staff) from witnessing wills

Rejected 12 signatures

What the petition asks

Declare any will witnessed by a solicitor, their staff or family members to be null and void
Solicitors are failing to seek and get a medical check on elderly clients (especially new clients) and changing (replacing existing wills) to the advantage of individuals who are seeking a greater share / advantage of the execution of said will.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

In order to be valid a will must be:

- made by someone aged 18 or over
- made voluntarily
- made by someone of sound mind
- made in writing
- signed it in the presence of 2 witnesses who are both over 18
- signed by the 2 witnesses, in the presence of whoever's will it is

Deciding whether a will is valid is a matter for the courts, not the UK Government or Parliament.

If you believe a will is not legally valid, and wish to challenge this, you should seek legal advice.

Timeline

9 Mar 2022 Petition opened for signatures
15 Mar 2022 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 12
Status Rejected
Rejected 15 Mar 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.