When does a will take effect?

Only when you die. Until then it has no effect on what you own, and you can change it or make a new one.

Do I need a lot of money to make a will?

No. A will is useful whatever the size of your estate. It makes clear who should receive what and who should deal with it, which can save your family time and disagreement.

Is a will prepared online valid?

You can prepare your will online, but it only becomes a valid will once it is printed and signed properly on paper with your witnesses. Wills.ng guides you through that step.

Wills: the basics

What is a will?

A will is a signed document that says who should receive what you own when you die, and who should deal with it.

In 30 seconds

It says who gets what

Your will names the people or organisations you want to receive your property, money and belongings.

It names who is in charge

You choose an executor: a person you trust to gather what you own, pay what you owe and pass on the rest.

It can name a guardian

If you have children under 18, you can say who you would want to care for them.

It must be signed properly

A will is printed and signed on paper, in front of witnesses. How it is signed matters as much as what it says.

You can change it

Nothing in your will takes effect until you die. You can update or replace it as your life changes.

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A will lets you decide who inherits your property, who carries out your wishes and, if you have young children, who you would like to look after them. It only takes effect when you die, and you can change it at any time before then.

What a will does

A will is your written instruction about what should happen to your estate when you die. Your estate is everything you own: land and buildings, money in the bank, shares, a business, vehicles, personal belongings and digital assets.

In your will you name beneficiaries (the people who receive something) and an executor (the person who carries out your instructions). You can also name a guardian for children under 18 and record wishes about your funeral.

What a will cannot do

Some things may not pass under a will at all. Property you own jointly with someone else, pension savings and life insurance can follow their own rules, such as a nomination form. Customary or religious rules can also affect what you are able to leave. A lawyer can confirm what applies to you.

Why the signing matters

A will has to be signed in a particular way to be valid. It must be printed and physically signed by you, in front of witnesses who then sign it too. Wills.ng never asks you to sign electronically.

Key points

A will says who receives what and who deals with it.
It must be printed and signed on paper, in front of witnesses.
You can change it at any time while you are alive.

Common mistakes

Assuming everything you own will pass under your will, including jointly owned property and pensions.
Leaving a will unsigned or signing it without witnesses present.

Questions people ask

When does a will take effect?: Only when you die. Until then it has no effect on what you own, and you can change it or make a new one.
Do I need a lot of money to make a will?: No. A will is useful whatever the size of your estate. It makes clear who should receive what and who should deal with it, which can save your family time and disagreement.
Is a will prepared online valid?: You can prepare your will online, but it only becomes a valid will once it is printed and signed properly on paper with your witnesses. Wills.ng guides you through that step.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice about your circumstances. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

Last updated 24 September 2026.