UK Legaltech Adeus Launches True Wills Ahead of Electronic Will Reforms

Why It Matters

True Wills reduces probate friction and positions adeus as a pioneer ahead of the 2026 electronic‑will reforms, giving it a strategic edge in a nascent digital estate‑planning market.

Key Takeaways

• adeus True Wills creates blockchain fingerprint of wills
• Service works with traditional wet‑signed wills now
• Designed for upcoming 2026 electronic will legislation
• Aims to cut probate disputes and legal costs
• Backed by £500k Innovate UK Smart Grant

Pulse Analysis

The estate‑planning landscape is undergoing a digital overhaul as families seek more reliable ways to safeguard their final wishes. Traditional paper wills are vulnerable to loss, damage, and contested authenticity, often leading to costly probate battles. By leveraging blockchain’s immutable ledger, adeus True Wills provides a tamper‑evident digital fingerprint that can be verified without exposing the underlying document, marrying privacy with cryptographic certainty.

adeus’s solution integrates seamlessly with existing will‑creation workflows. Users draft a will on the platform, sign it with a wet signature to meet current UK legal standards, and then generate a unique hash stored on the blockchain. Any alteration to the original document changes the hash, instantly flagging potential fraud. The service is also being packaged for solicitors and independent will writers, allowing legal professionals to offer an added layer of protection while focusing on their core advisory role.

The timing of True Wills aligns with the UK’s impending electronic‑will legislation, slated for 2026 after the Law Commission’s recommendations. Early adopters like adeus gain a first‑mover advantage, establishing infrastructure and market trust before competitors can catch up. As electronic wills become legally recognised, the company’s hybrid model—supporting both paper and digital formats—will enable a smooth transition for clients, potentially reshaping how estates are managed across England and Wales.