The government must act now to modernise wills, or risk leaving many people’s final wishes unprotected, the Law Society of England and Wales has urged.
In May 2025, the Law Commission published its report Modernising Wills Law* setting out key recommendations to update legislation that has remained largely the same since the Wills Act 1837.
Six months on and the government has still not seized the opportunity to introduce necessary reforms on wills that could affect everyone.
The report’s key recommendations included amendments to reflect current public attitudes, such as making electronic wills.
Law Society president, Mark Evans said: “Six months on from the Law Commission’s guidance to reform wills, there has been no movement from the government on updating this crucial law that affects every single one of us. It is imperative that the Wills Act is brought in line with our times, or else the government risks denying people access to justice and the right to protect their last wishes.
“Robust safeguards for electronic wills are essential to ensure the same level of trust and security as paper wills.
“These safeguards must include effective protections against undue influence and clear proof of mental capacity to make a will freely.
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.