Writing a Will

How do I sign my will correctly?

Getting the signing wrong can invalidate your entire will. Here's exactly what you need to do.

Why signing matters so much

Your will can have perfect content and still be invalid if it’s not signed correctly. Courts see improperly signed wills regularly — and families suffer the consequences.

The good news: the rules aren’t complicated. Follow them exactly.

The basic requirements

For a valid will in Australia, you need:

  1. Your signature — At the end of the will
  2. Two witnesses — Adults who watch you sign
  3. Witnesses sign — In your presence and each other’s presence
  4. All present together — Everyone in the same room at the same time

⚠️ Critical: All three people must be physically present together when signing. You cannot sign first, then have witnesses sign later. Everyone signs in one sitting.

Step-by-step signing process

Step 1: Gather your witnesses Find two adults. They should NOT be:

  • Beneficiaries named in the will
  • Married to or in a relationship with a beneficiary
  • Under 18 years old

Good choices: neighbours, colleagues, friends who aren’t in the will.

Step 2: Everyone in the same room All three of you must be present together throughout the entire signing process.

Step 3: You sign first Sign at the end of the will (on the signature line) while both witnesses watch.

  • Use your normal signature
  • Sign in pen (blue or black ink)
  • Sign every page if indicated (some wills require this)

Step 4: Witnesses sign Each witness signs while you and the other witness watch.

  • They sign in the spaces provided
  • They should print their name and address clearly
  • Both must sign at the same time you’re present

Step 5: Date the will Add the date. This establishes when the will was made.

State-specific rules

🇦🇺 In Australia: Most states have similar rules, but some variations exist. NSW and QLD have slightly different witnessing requirements. When in doubt, follow the strictest interpretation.

Common mistakes that invalidate wills

❌ Witness is a beneficiary — They lose their gift, or the whole will fails

❌ Witnesses not present together — Will may be invalid

❌ Signed in the wrong place — Must be at the end

❌ Only one witness — Need two adults

❌ Witness signed later — All signatures must happen in one session

❌ Video call witnessing — Not valid in most states (changed during COVID but reverted)

What about changes after signing?

Never:

  • Cross out sections and initial
  • Write additions in margins
  • Use correction fluid
  • Add handwritten notes

Any changes after signing should be done by either:

  • Making a codicil (a formal amendment document)
  • Creating a new will (usually better)

After signing

  1. Store the original safely (not in a bank safe deposit box — hard to access after death)
  2. Tell your executor where to find it
  3. Keep a copy for yourself
  4. Don’t staple, clip, or attach anything to the original

💡 Pro tip: Some people ask their witnesses to also sign a statement confirming they saw the will-maker sign and that they appeared to understand what they were doing. This is called an "attestation clause" — most wills include one.

What if something went wrong?

If you realise your will wasn’t signed correctly:

  • Make a new will with proper signing
  • The old, improperly signed will is likely invalid
  • Courts can sometimes validate informal wills, but don’t rely on this

What to do next

  1. Prepare your will document completely before the signing session
  2. Choose appropriate witnesses (not beneficiaries)
  3. Schedule a time when all three can meet
  4. Follow the steps above exactly
  5. Store the signed original safely

Related: Is an online will legally valid? · What should my will include?