Find the right will writing service for your family

How do I find the right will writing service?

Finding the right will writing service depends on the complexity of your estate, your budget, and how much guidance you need. Follow these steps to compare your options and get the best value for your situation.

1. Work out what type of will you need: Consider your circumstances carefully. If you have a straightforward estate with one or two beneficiaries, a simple will may be sufficient. If you own property jointly, have children from previous relationships, or run a business, you will likely need a more detailed will or trust arrangement.
2. Decide between a solicitor, specialist, or online service: Solicitors offer the highest level of legal expertise and are best for complex estates. Specialist will writers are often more affordable and still provide face-to-face guidance. Online services are the cheapest option but offer limited personalised advice.
3. Get at least three quotes before committing: Prices for the same type of will can vary significantly between providers. Request itemised quotes that include all fees, storage costs, and any charges for future updates so you can compare like for like.
4. Check the provider's credentials and reviews: Look for membership of recognised bodies such as the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) or the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW). Read customer reviews and check how long the provider has been in business.
5. Ask about storage and updates: A will is only useful if it can be found when needed. Ask whether the provider offers secure storage and find out what they charge for amendments. Some services include free updates for a set period, which can save you money in the long run.

What kind of will do I need?

The type of will you need depends on your personal circumstances, the size of your estate, and how you want your assets distributed. Here are the most common situations and the will types that suit them best.

You are single with a simple estate

If you are single, have no dependants, and want to leave everything to one or two people, a simple will is usually all you need. This covers the basics: naming your beneficiaries, choosing an executor, and specifying any funeral wishes. Simple wills typically cost between £90 and £200.

You are married or in a civil partnership

Couples who want to leave everything to each other often choose mirror wills. These are two separate wills with matching terms, ensuring both partners are protected. Mirror wills are particularly useful for couples who own property together and want to guarantee their share passes to the surviving partner.

You have young children

If you have children under 18, your will should include provisions for appointing a guardian. Without this, a court will decide who raises your children if both parents die. You should also consider setting up a trust within your will to manage any inheritance until your children reach a suitable age.

You have a complex estate or business interests

If you own a business, have overseas assets, or have a blended family with children from previous relationships, you will need specialist estate planning advice. This may involve setting up trusts, making provisions for inheritance tax, or creating a more detailed will that accounts for multiple beneficiaries with different needs.

You want to plan for incapacity as well as death

If you want to ensure someone can manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity, you should consider a lasting power of attorney alongside your will. An LPA covers financial decisions, health and welfare decisions, or both. Many will writing services offer discounted packages when you arrange an LPA at the same time as your will.

What types of wills are there?

There are several types of wills available in the UK, each designed for different situations. The table below summarises the main options, how they work, and their advantages and drawbacks.

What fees might I have to pay for a will?

The cost of getting a will written varies depending on the type of service you use and the complexity of your requirements. Below is a breakdown of the typical fees you should expect.

How much does a will cost?

The total cost of getting a will depends on several factors beyond just the will writing fee. Understanding what influences the price helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected charges.

• Complexity of your estate: A simple will for a single person with a few beneficiaries costs much less than a will involving trusts, business assets, or overseas property. Expect to pay £90 to £150 for a basic online will, rising to £500 or more for complex solicitor-drafted wills.
• Type of provider: Online services are the most affordable option, typically charging £90 to £150. Face-to-face will writers charge £150 to £300, while solicitors charge £200 to £500 or more for straightforward wills.
• Number of wills needed: If you and your partner both need wills, mirror wills from a specialist writer typically cost £200 to £400 for the pair. This is usually cheaper than getting two separate wills independently.
• Additional documents: Many people arrange a lasting power of attorney alongside their will. Adding an LPA typically costs £100 to £300 on top of the will fee, plus £82 per LPA for government registration.
• Storage and ongoing maintenance: Some providers include free storage and updates for a set period. Others charge an annual storage fee of £20 to £50, or a one-off fee. Future amendments by codicil or redraft can add to the overall cost.
• Geographic location: Will writing costs can be higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK. Online services offer consistent pricing regardless of where you live.
• Free will schemes: Charities such as Will Aid and Free Wills Month offer free simple wills in exchange for a suggested donation, typically in March, October, and November. These schemes use participating solicitors and can save you several hundred pounds.

What should I look for when choosing a will writing service?

Choosing the right will writing service can save you money and ensure your wishes are properly protected. Here are five practical tips to help you make the best decision.

1. Check professional memberships and qualifications: Look for will writers who belong to the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) or the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). These bodies require members to carry professional indemnity insurance, follow a code of practice, and meet ongoing training requirements. Membership is not a legal requirement, so always check before you commit.
2. Compare at least three quotes with full cost breakdowns: Do not accept the first price you are given. Ask each provider for an itemised quote that includes the will writing fee, storage costs, and charges for future amendments. Some providers advertise low headline prices but add significant charges for storage or updates later.
3. Read independent customer reviews: Check reviews on independent platforms rather than relying solely on testimonials on the provider's own website. Pay attention to comments about communication, turnaround time, and how well the provider explained the process and legal terminology.
4. Ask about the revision and update process: Your will may need updating several times during your lifetime. Find out whether the provider offers free updates for a set period or charges per amendment. A service that includes unlimited updates for five years could save you hundreds of pounds compared to one that charges each time.
5. Understand what happens to your will after it is written: Ask where your original will is stored, how your executor can access it, and what happens if the will writing company closes down. Providers registered with the National Will Register or those who store wills with the Probate Service offer an extra layer of security for your documents.

How does the will writing process work?

Writing a will is more straightforward than most people expect. Whether you use an online service, a specialist will writer, or a solicitor, the process typically follows the same core steps.

Initial consultation or questionnaire: You start by providing details about your circumstances, assets, and wishes. Online services use a guided questionnaire that takes around 20 to 30 minutes, while face-to-face providers conduct a consultation lasting 60 to 90 minutes. You will need to think about who you want to inherit your assets, who should be your executor, and whether you want to appoint guardians for any children under 18.

Drafting the will: Based on the information you provide, the will writer or solicitor prepares a draft will for your review. This typically takes 5 to 10 working days for a solicitor or specialist, though some online services generate a draft within minutes. The draft sets out your beneficiaries, any specific gifts, your chosen executor, and any trusts or conditions you want to include.

Reviewing and amending the draft: You review the draft carefully and request any changes. Most providers include at least one round of revisions in their fee. Take your time at this stage, as errors or ambiguities in a will can lead to costly disputes after your death. Ask the provider to explain any legal terminology you do not understand.

Signing and witnessing: Once you are satisfied with the final version, you sign the will in the presence of two independent witnesses. The witnesses must be over 18 and must not be beneficiaries of the will or married to a beneficiary. All three of you must be present at the same time when the will is signed for it to be legally valid.

Storage and registration: After signing, the original will needs to be stored safely. Options include keeping it at home in a fireproof safe, storing it with your solicitor or will writer, or depositing it with the Probate Service for a one-off fee of £25. You can also register your will with the National Will Register for around £40, which helps your executor locate it after your death.