--- title: "Annotated sample will — England and Wales" description: "Read a fictional SwiftWill example, understand its clauses and download a clearly marked sample PDF. For explanation only, not for signing." url: "https://swiftwill.co.uk/sample-will/" author: "Marcus Kaiser" date_modified: "2026-09-12" --- # Annotated sample will — England and Wales See a fictional single will generated by SwiftWill's current document template. Read the example wording alongside separate explanations, or download the marked PDF. It is a sample for understanding the format, not a template to complete or sign. > SwiftWill provides legal information and software for England & Wales under Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. Figures are taken from gov.uk, legislation.gov.uk and HMCTS, checked 12 August 2026. We have not given you legal advice — this is general information. SAMPLE — NOT FOR SIGNING All people, addresses and wishes are fictional. The notes explain what the example says; they do not confirm that its terms would be appropriate for you. [Download the marked sample PDF](/resources/swiftwill-sample-will.pdf) ## Whose fictional circumstances does this sample show? Alex Example is a single adult in England with no children under 18. Alex chooses two executors, leaves a cookbook collection to Casey and leaves the remainder to Robin. Taylor is named as a substitute for those gifts if the intended recipient dies first. This narrow example is deliberately different from a family with dependants, shared property complications or overseas assets. ## How do you read the example and its separate notes? The numbered text below is generated from Alex's example answers. Each coloured explanation is commentary, outside the will. The PDF also contains a signature and witness section to show the layout; it remains marked as a sample on every page. ## What should you check in your own preview? 1. Names and addresses identify the right people. 2. Executors, trustees and any guardians have the roles you intended. 3. Specific gifts and percentages express your wishes without contradiction. 4. The wording says what should happen if someone dies before you. 5. You understand the clauses, including the powers given to executors and trustees. 6. Your situation is within the service's scope and you know when to get advice. An automated check cannot establish capacity, freedom from pressure or every legal risk. If something looks unclear or does not match your intentions, resolve it before paying for or signing a document. ## What still needs to happen after a preview? A real will needs the correct preparation, signing and witnessing. Follow [GOV.UK's signing requirements](https://www.gov.uk/make-will/make-sure-your-will-is-legal) and your document's instructions, then store the original and tell the people who need to find it. The [witness checker](/tools/witness-checker/) helps you consider the practical choice of witnesses; it does not certify execution. Prepare your decisions with the [free planner](/tools/will-planner/), or read [GOV.UK's guidance on when professional advice is needed](https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will). SwiftWill's [paid interview](/start/) includes separate suitability questions and your own preview. ## Fictional sample clauses and separate explanations SAMPLE — NOT FOR SIGNING. All people and wishes are fictional. Explanations are not part of the will. ### 1. Declaration and revocation THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me, Alex Example, of 1 Example Road, Example Town, England, SW1A 1AA. I revoke all former wills and codicils previously made by me and declare this to be my last will. **Explanation — not part of the will:** Identifies the person making the example and says that earlier wills and codicils are revoked. Replacing a real will requires care, especially if you have another will abroad. Fictional names here must never be substituted by hand and signed. ### 2. Appointment of executors I appoint Robin Example of 2 Example Road, Example Town, England, SW1A 1AA and Casey Example of 3 Example Road, Example Town, England, SW1A 1AA to be the executors and trustees of this my will. If any of my named executors is unable or unwilling to act, or dies before me, the remaining executor or executors shall act alone. **Explanation — not part of the will:** Alex names Robin and Casey to administer the estate and act as trustees. The following sentence explains what happens if a named executor cannot act. They are both appointed; the second name is not simply a reserve. ### 3. Specific gifts and pecuniary legacies I give my collection of printed cookbooks to Casey Example of 3 Example Road, Example Town, England, SW1A 1AA, absolutely; if Casey Example dies before me, I give the same to Taylor Example, absolutely. **Explanation — not part of the will:** The cookbooks are a specific gift to Casey, with Taylor named as a substitute if Casey dies first. A specific gift is different from a percentage of whatever remains. Whether a gift can take effect depends on the estate and the circumstances. ### 4. Residuary estate I give all the residue of my estate, of whatever nature and wherever situated, not otherwise disposed of by this my will (after payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses and any taxes payable on or by reason of my death) as follows: 100% to Robin Example of 2 Example Road, Example Town, England, SW1A 1AA, absolutely; but if Robin Example dies before me, that share shall pass to Taylor Example, absolutely. **Explanation — not part of the will:** This is the remainder after the items and costs described in the wording. Robin is allocated 100%, with Taylor as a named substitute if Robin dies first. These are Alex's fictional choices, not a recommended distribution for another person. ### 5. Funeral wishes I have no preference between burial and cremation. My further wishes are: I would prefer a small gathering. These wishes are an expression of my preferences only and are not legally binding on my executors or my family. **Explanation — not part of the will:** The example records preferences and expressly says they are not legally binding. Practical wishes are worth discussing separately because funeral arrangements may begin before a will is found. ### 6. Debts, funeral and testamentary expenses My executors shall pay my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, and any inheritance tax or other taxes payable on or by reason of my death, out of my residuary estate. **Explanation — not part of the will:** This clause says which part of the estate should meet the stated costs. The example does not calculate tax, show the estate's solvency or assess which assets pass under the will. ### 7. Administrative powers of my executors and trustees My executors and trustees shall have the following powers in addition to those conferred by law: (a) to sell, call in, convert or retain any part of my estate, and to postpone sale for as long as they think fit, without being liable for any loss; (b) to invest money in any manner authorised by law for the investment of trust funds; (c) to make payments to or for the benefit of any minor beneficiary, and to accept the receipt of a parent, guardian or the minor (if of sufficient age and understanding) as a full discharge; (d) to appropriate any part of my estate in or towards satisfaction of any share, without needing the consent of any beneficiary; (e) to employ and pay professional advisers, who may charge for their services. **Explanation — not part of the will:** These powers support estate administration, including engaging professional advisers. They are not an assurance that the example is suitable for every estate, or that administration will be free. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I replace the sample names and sign this will? No. This is a fictional, non-signable example. It has not been prepared for your circumstances. Use an appropriate will-writing process or obtain professional advice rather than editing this sample. ### Is this the same template as the paid service? The wording and layout are generated from the service's will template using fictional answers. Real documents change with the answers entered. The public sample has a non-signable banner and watermark; explanations on this page are separate from the document. ### Does this example include a solicitor's approval? No. Neither this example nor SwiftWill's automated preparation service includes an individual solicitor review. This page explains the product's output and is not advice about a suitable will for you. ### Why are there no guardians or trust arrangements in the example? The fictional person has no children under 18 and no complex arrangements. Other choices produce different content. An omitted clause in this example does not mean it is unnecessary in your circumstances. Canonical HTML: https://swiftwill.co.uk/sample-will/ Markdown: https://swiftwill.co.uk/sample-will.md Last modified: 2026-09-12 Author: Marcus Kaiser (https://swiftwill.co.uk/author/marcus-kaiser/)