Does SwiftWill work in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. SwiftWill's questions, clauses and signing instructions follow the law of England and Wales, including the two-witness ceremony in section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. The first screening question asks whether your permanent home is outside England and Wales, and the interview stops if it is. GOV.UK's will guide also says there are different rules for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
How are wills different in Scotland?
Scotland has a separate legal system, and several basic rules differ from England and Wales:
| Rule | Scotland | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 12 (Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991, s.2) | 18 (Wills Act 1837, s.7) |
| Signing | The will must be signed by the person making it (Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995, s.2). One witness aged 16 or over, and a signature on every page of a multi-page will, make it presumed valid without further evidence (s.3). | Signed or acknowledged in front of two witnesses present at the same time, who then sign. |
| Rules if there is no will | Scottish succession law applies. | Intestacy rules under the Administration of Estates Act 1925. |
Scots law also gives a surviving spouse, civil partner and children what it calls "legal rights" in an estate (Succession (Scotland) Act 1964, s.36), which have no direct equivalent in England and Wales. Take advice from a solicitor who practises in Scotland; the Law Society of Scotland has a directory.
How are wills different in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has its own legislation. The signing rule in article 5 of the Wills and Administration Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 is similar to England and Wales, with two witnesses present at the same time, but other rules, including who inherits when there is no will, are set separately. SwiftWill does not cover Northern Ireland. The Law Society of Northern Ireland can help you find a solicitor.
What if you live in England or Wales but own property elsewhere?
Use a solicitor. Property in Scotland, Northern Ireland or abroad can be dealt with under the law where it is, and GOV.UK recommends advice if you own property overseas. SwiftWill's screening stops the interview in this situation. See do I need a solicitor for a will.
If you live in England or Wales and your estate is straightforward, start with how to make a will or is an online will legal.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Making a will
- Wills Act 1837, sections 7 and 9
- Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991, section 2
- Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995, sections 1 to 3
- Succession (Scotland) Act 1964, section 36
- Wills and Administration Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1994, article 5
Sources checked 24 September 2026.