How to Copy a Will? Should I?

TBagpuss

Well, if you photocopied a will then it would be possible for you to sign the photocopy and for two witnesses to witness your dgnature but what you would then have produced would be a new will supercedigng the first 'original' 

*The requirements for a valid will are that it be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of 2 witnesses  and then  signed by two witnesses in the presence of the testator and each other .

The photocopy, being later than the 'original' would be the new, original will and would (assuming that the wording including the usual provision revoking all previous wills) revoke the first one.

You would probably be better off keeping a normal photocopy and put a note with it saying something like "Copy will - original sotred for safety with ABC Solicitors" 

That way, if the original were to be lost, then the copy provides evidence of the terms and of where to start looking, and (assuming that you are generally god at record keeping and updating your records) be an indictation that the will had not been revoked (in situations where a will has been lost porbate can be grated using a copy, but the probate office has to be satisfied thst the will was lost, and not revoked by the testator by destroying the will)

For any other purposes, a certified copy (stamped by a solicitro, no need for witnesses) is fine.