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
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
Fictional sample wording · not for signing
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.
What should you check in your own preview?
- Names and addresses identify the right people.
- Executors, trustees and any guardians have the roles you intended.
- Specific gifts and percentages express your wishes without contradiction.
- The wording says what should happen if someone dies before you.
- You understand the clauses, including the powers given to executors and trustees.
- 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 and your document's instructions, then store the original and tell the people who need to find it. The witness checker helps you consider the practical choice of witnesses; it does not certify execution.
Prepare your decisions with the free planner, or read GOV.UK's guidance on when professional advice is needed. SwiftWill's paid interview includes separate suitability questions and your own preview.