Kevin Martin, an expert in Wills & Probate at Waldrons Solicitors, has noticed a worrying trend: more families are encountering fraudulent Wills, forged or manipulated documents that misrepresent a person’s final wishes.
“It’s deeply distressing for loved ones to suspect a Will is fake or the result of someone’s deceit,” says Kevin. “But the law does provide remedies when fraud is discovered.”
This article explores why fraudulent Wills are increasing, what drives the trend and how to safeguard your estate.
What Is a Fraudulent Will?
A fraudulent Will is one that has been forged, altered, or created through deception. Under the Wills Act 1837, a Will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two people present together, safeguards intended to prevent fraud (todayswillsandprobate.co.uk).
Yet fraudsters exploit loopholes: forging signatures, swapping pages, or coercing vulnerable individuals into signing new Wills under false pretences. In some cases, fraudsters even lie to dying people about loved ones, a form of deception known as fraudulent calumny.
If proven, the courts can declare such Wills invalid. “We are seeing more cases of suspected Will fraud, whether a forged signature or doubts about last-minute changes,” says Kevin. “A fraudulent Will can be challenged, and those responsible can face criminal charges.”
Why Are Fraudulent Wills Increasing?
Organised Crime and System Loopholes
A BBC investigation revealed “mounting evidence” of organised gangs forging Wills to steal millions (financialreporter.co.uk). Many exploited weaknesses in the online probate system introduced in 2017, using fake Wills and IDs to claim unmonitored estates from the Bona Vacantia list.
To counter this, the government removed the unclaimed estates list from its website in 2025 pending new safeguards. Experts have called for stricter identity checks and enhanced probate scrutiny.
The Great Wealth Transfer
The UK is undergoing a massive intergenerational wealth transfer as baby boomers pass down an estimated £7 trillion by 2050. High-value estates and rising property prices have turned inheritance into fertile ground for fraud. The Guardian reports record numbers, up to 10,000 people disputing Wills annually (theguardian.com).
Complex Family Structures
Modern family dynamics including second marriages, blended families and estrangements have made disputes more common. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain relatives to contest Wills lacking “reasonable provision”. More disputes create more opportunities for fraudulent manipulation.
Ageing and Vulnerability
People are living longer, often with declining mental capacity. Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to undue influence or deception. The Law Commission (2025) has proposed reforms allowing courts to infer undue influence from suspicious circumstances, strengthening protection for coerced testators (lawcom.gov.uk).
Greater Awareness and Detection
The rise in reported cases also reflects better detection. Public awareness, helped by high-profile cases and media coverage such as the BBC’s “Grave Robbers”, means more people recognise red flags like unexpected Wills or sudden last-minute changes.
Real Cases Exposing Will Fraud
1. Organised Crime and Unclaimed Estates
In 2024/25, criminal gangs forged Wills for people who had died intestate. They used names from the government’s Bona Vacantia list and created fake Wills naming gang members as beneficiaries. With no immediate family to intervene, they obtained grants of probate using forged documents, then sold off assets below market value to avoid tax scrutiny.
When the scam was uncovered, the Ministry of Justice took the unclaimed estates list offline. Investigations continue, and reforms are expected to introduce stronger ID checks and closer oversight of probate applications.
2. Forged Will by a Family Friend
In another shocking case, Leigh Voysey, a former private school pupil, forged the Will of her elderly ex-headteacher, Maureen Renny, to claim her £4 million estate (herts.police.uk). Forensic evidence proved the Will was fake. Voysey and two accomplices were jailed for fraud and forgery.
Detective Constable Sian Beames, who led the case, called it “a complex, long-running investigation”. The rightful heirs eventually reclaimed the estate, but only after years of emotional and financial distress.
These cases show that Will fraud can come from strangers or acquaintances, but the law does intervene — and courts punish offenders severely.
How to Protect Your Will and Estate
1. Make Your Will with a Reputable Solicitor
A professionally drafted Will is your best defence. A qualified solicitor ensures compliance with legal formalities, proper witnesses, and accurate records of your wishes. Please read my previous article on this topic https://www.waldrons.co.uk/insights/will-writers-or-a-solicitors-which-is-the-right-choice-for-you/. If a forged Will later appears, these records can prove authenticity.
2. Store and Register Your Will
Keep your Will secure, ideally with your solicitor in a fireproof safe and register it with the National Will Register. Over 10.5 million Wills are already logged in this Law Society-endorsed system (lawsociety.org.uk). Registration prevents fraudulent “second Wills” from going unnoticed and ensures executors can locate the genuine one.
3. Choose Honest Executors
Appoint two trustworthy executors, such as a relative and a professional. Reliable executors will protect your interests and act quickly if they detect suspicious activity.
4. Communicate Your Wishes
Discuss your Will with loved ones so they know its existence and where it’s stored. Fraudsters thrive in silence and transparency helps ensure any fake document is quickly exposed.
5. Avoid DIY, AI or Last-Minute Wills
If you update your Will, do it through a solicitor. Avoid quick or secretive changes. If you’re unwell, obtain a doctor’s statement confirming capacity is a ‘Golden Rule’ to avoid later disputes DIY or AI Wills, though legal, are easier to tamper with or invalidate through technical errors. My colleague David Bayliss discusses AI Wills in an article here: https://www.waldrons.co.uk/news/ai-will-writing-value/
“A bit of planning and advice now can spare your loved ones heartache later,” Kevin adds. “It’s about peace of mind knowing your wishes will stand.”
What to do if you Suspect a Fraudulent Will
- Seek Legal Advice Immediately – Contact experienced contentious probate solicitors such as Waldrons. They can lodge a caveat with the Probate Registry to pause estate distribution while investigating.
- Gather Evidence – Collect previous Will copies, signature samples, correspondence and witness accounts. Forensic handwriting experts may be needed.
- Prevent Asset Dissipation – If probate has been granted, act fast to freeze the estate or stop property sales. Solicitors can coordinate injunctions or notify banks.
- Stay Calm and Persistent – Fraud disputes are emotional but winnable. Courts take forgery allegations seriously and will overturn fraudulent Wills when proven, as in the Voysey case.
Securing Your Legacy – We’re Here to Help
While fraudulent Wills are rising, they remain rare. Awareness, planning, and professional guidance offer strong protection. The Law Commission’s reforms and improved verification systems will further tighten safeguards.
In the meantime, your best defence is good planning and trusted advice. At Waldrons Solicitors, our dedicated Wills & Probate team (with experts like Kevin Martin) is here to help you make and manage your Will with utmost security. We offer warm, clear guidance, from drafting a rock-solid Will to registering it and advising your executors, so you can have peace of mind that your wishes will be honoured.
Protect your legacy today. Contact Waldrons Solicitors for tailored legal advice on Wills, Probate and contested estates. Our team will work tirelessly to safeguard what matters most, giving you and your loved one’s security for the future.
Call us on 01384 811 811 or email enquiries@waldrons.co.uk for a confidential consultation.
