Wills

An online will is a will that you create using a digital platform rather than sitting down with a solicitor. You answer a series of structured questions about your family, assets, and wishes, and the platform uses your answers to generate a professionally worded legal document.

Most online will services follow a similar process. You register an account, work through the questionnaire at your own pace, and review the finished document before finalising it. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes for a straightforward estate. Some services offer telephone or live chat support if you get stuck on a particular question.

Once the platform generates your will, you download or receive a printed copy. You then need to sign it following the legal requirements: you must sign in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time, and both witnesses must then sign the will in your presence. Your witnesses cannot be beneficiaries named in the will or their spouses. After signing, you should store your will somewhere safe and tell your executors where to find it.

Online wills cover the same core elements as a solicitor-drafted will. You can name beneficiaries, appoint executors, appoint guardians for your children, leave specific gifts, and include funeral wishes. Some platforms also let you create a mirror will for your partner at a reduced rate.

Yes, an online will is legally valid in England and Wales provided it meets the requirements of the Wills Act 1837. The law does not specify how a will must be drafted, only how it must be executed. This means a will created through an online platform has exactly the same legal standing as one written by a solicitor, as long as the signing requirements are met.

For your online will to be legally binding, three conditions must be satisfied:

• You must be 18 or over and have the mental capacity to understand what you are doing (known as testamentary capacity)
• You must sign the will in the presence of two independent witnesses who are both present at the same time
• Both witnesses must sign the will in your presence. Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or the spouse of a beneficiary

The rules are slightly different in Scotland, where only one witness is required and the will must be signed on every page. If you have assets in both jurisdictions, you may need separate wills or specialist advice.

The most common reason online wills are challenged is incorrect witnessing, not the method of drafting. As long as you follow the signing process carefully, your online will is just as enforceable as any other. If you are concerned about potential challenges, some online services offer a solicitor review add-on for an extra 50 to 100 pounds.

Online wills are significantly cheaper than solicitor-drafted wills. A standard single online will typically costs between 30 and 150 pounds, while a solicitor-drafted will usually costs 200 to 500 pounds for a straightforward document. Complex wills involving trusts or business assets can cost 500 to 1,500 pounds or more with a solicitor.

Mirror wills for couples are often available at a discounted rate. Most online platforms charge 50 to 200 pounds for a pair of mirror wills, compared with 300 to 800 pounds from a solicitor. Some services also offer subscription models where you pay an annual fee (typically 10 to 30 pounds per year) to keep your will updated as your circumstances change.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best value. If your estate involves property in multiple countries, a blended family, business interests, or the need for a trust, the cost of a solicitor could save you far more in the long run by avoiding disputes or invalid provisions. For a simple will covering a single property, personal possessions, and straightforward beneficiaries, an online platform often provides everything you need.

Online wills suit many people, but they are not the right choice for everyone. Here is an honest breakdown of the advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper than a solicitor, often saving 150 to 350 pounds
• Complete the process from home at a time that suits you
• Guided questions reduce the chance of accidentally missing something important
• Many platforms offer easy updates, so your will stays current as your life changes
• Some services include secure digital storage and reminder prompts to review your will

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for complex estates involving trusts, overseas assets, or business ownership
• No face-to-face advice unless you pay for a solicitor review add-on
• You are responsible for printing, signing, and witnessing correctly
• May not cover Scotland-specific requirements without adjustment
• Less personalised than a solicitor who can probe your circumstances in detail

If you are unsure whether your situation is straightforward enough for an online will, it is worth considering a will writing service vs solicitor comparison to understand the trade-offs. Many people start with an online will and later upgrade to a solicitor-drafted version as their circumstances become more complex.

While online wills work well for straightforward situations, certain circumstances call for professional legal advice. You should consider using a solicitor if any of the following apply to you:

• You own property abroad: international assets can create conflicting inheritance laws, and you may need a separate will in each jurisdiction
• You have a blended family: if you have children from a previous relationship, a solicitor can set up trusts to balance the needs of your current partner and your children
• You own a business: business succession planning involves share transfers, partnership agreements, and potential tax implications that go beyond a standard will template
• You want to set up a trust: trusts for vulnerable dependants, discretionary trusts, or life interest trusts require specialist drafting
• You are worried about a challenge: if you expect someone to contest your will, a solicitor can include specific provisions and document your testamentary capacity
• Your estate exceeds the inheritance tax threshold: if your estate is worth more than 325,000 pounds (or 500,000 pounds with the residence nil-rate band), a solicitor can advise on inheritance tax planning

Getting matched with a qualified will writer or solicitor through Money Saving Advisors is free and takes just a few minutes. If your situation turns out to be simpler than you thought, a professional can confirm that an online will would suit you perfectly well.

With dozens of online will platforms available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Focus on these key factors when comparing services:

Professional backing: look for services that are backed by solicitors or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Some platforms have their templates reviewed by qualified legal professionals, which adds an extra layer of assurance.

Reviews and reputation: check independent review sites such as Trustpilot for customer feedback. Pay attention to comments about the ease of use, customer support quality, and how the company handles updates or amendments.

Compare the leading UK online will services in our best will writing services guide, which ranks providers by price, features, and customer satisfaction.

Update policy: your will should be reviewed whenever your circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or buying a new property. Check whether the platform charges for updates or includes them in the price. Subscription models can offer better value if you expect to make regular changes.

Storage options: some services offer secure storage and will registration with the National Will Register for an additional fee. While not legally required, registering your will makes it easier for your executors to locate it after your death.

Consider also checking whether the service provides guidance on life insurance, as protecting your family financially goes hand in hand with having a valid will in place.