Not everything that glitters is gold: Will forgery and the change to the Wills Act 1837

The requirements of s9 of the Wills Act 1837 are an essential guard against fraud in relation to the execution of Wills. Often, Wills dispose of property worth millions of pounds, but there is no requirement they be signed in front of a professional or a public official such as a notary. Sometimes, wealthy testators forego the option even of engaging a professional to draft and oversee the execution of their Will, leading to major problems. ¹