Will Writer Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Will Writer interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Will Writer interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How do you assess whether a client has testamentary capacity, and what do you record?

Why they ask: Capacity is the biggest validity risk in will writing, so they test your process.

2. Why do you want to be a will writer, and what qualities does the job need?

Why they ask: They want to hear genuine motivation and an awareness of the trust placed in you.

3. What effect do marriage and divorce have on an existing will?

Why they ask: This is a classic knowledge test and a real source of client mistakes.

4. What is a life interest trust, and when might it be suitable for a client in a second marriage?

Why they ask: Blended families are a common reason for trust-based wills, and the advice must be accurate.

5. What happens if a beneficiary or their spouse witnesses a will, and how do you prevent it?

Why they ask: Witnessing errors are a common practical cause of failed gifts.

6. How is will writing regulated in England and Wales, and what does this mean for how you work?

Why they ask: They test your understanding of the regulatory position and consumer protection.

7. A client in her late eighties wants to leave her house to a carer who has only known her for a few months. What do you do?

Why they ask: They test your sensitivity to undue influence and vulnerability.

8. Tell me about a time you handled a sensitive meeting with a client discussing death and family issues.

Why they ask: The job needs empathy and professionalism in emotionally charged conversations.

A sample answer to question 1

How do you assess whether a client has testamentary capacity, and what do you record?

The test comes from Banks v Goodfellow. The client must understand the nature of making a will and its effects, understand the extent of their property, appreciate the claims of those who might expect to benefit, and not have a disorder of the mind that distorts their judgement. I would see the client alone, ask open questions about their family, their assets and why they want the gifts they describe, and see whether they can explain it in their own words. I would not lead them. If I had concerns, for example about memory or confusion, I would suggest a medical assessment by a GP or consultant before the will is signed, following the Golden Rule, which a solicitor or will writer should apply where capacity is in doubt. I would keep detailed attendance notes, recording the questions, their answers, my observations and the people present. Those notes may be crucial evidence if the will is later challenged under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 presumption.

Common mistake to avoid: Assuming age alone means incapacity; relying on a quick conversation with no notes

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Will Writer interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.