The UK government has confirmed that original paper wills will not be destroyed, following a public consultation on plans to modernise and digitise the national will storage system.

The announcement came after strong opposition from respondents to the consultation, many of whom expressed deep concern over the potential loss of original legal documents. The consultation was initiated to address the growing cost and size of the current storage system, which holds around 110 million documents and costs £4.5 million annually to maintain.

Of the nearly 1,600 responses received, a significant number came from members of the public, family historians, and genealogists, who strongly advocated for the preservation of original documents.

Respondents highlighted the legal and historical value of original wills. For many, wills are not just legal records—they are valuable links to personal and national history, as well as authentic proof of a deceased person’s final wishes.

While there was broad support for the digitisation of wills, this was overwhelmingly seen as a supplementary measure—to improve access and ensure backups—not a replacement for the originals.

“The provenance of an original document carries significant legal and personal weight,” one response noted, reflecting a common sentiment in the feedback.

In response, the government stated it will not proceed with any reform that includes destroying original wills. Instead, it will explore alternative ways to manage the costs and logistics of archiving such a vast collection.

At the same time, the Law Commission is reviewing wider issues surrounding wills and probate law, with its recommendations expected later this year. The government has said it will consider these findings before making any further changes to the system.

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