Instructions to my bank

[Beswad]

Would any bank agree to written instructions on automatic transfer of their left over funds to their partner or spouse should that person suddenly died? Or would you need to have a written will witness by a solicitor?

[Didwot]

You cannot achieve your objectives in the manner you suggegst, but if you open a joint account then the balance can pass automatically to the survivor. Incidentally you do not need to have your will prepared by a solicitor, although that is best for anything beyond the most straightforward. You can get some instructions on how to write your own will from
http://www.centralwillregistry.com/
Neither does your will need to be witnessed by a solicitor, just two people who are present together when you sign the will, and who are not receiving a gift under the will. If they are a beneficialr then the gift fails.