The cost of a will depends on your circumstances and the type of will you need. Prices are usually higher if you use a solicitor, but their professional advice can help you avoid unexpected costs and unfamiliar legal implications down the line.
The cost of making a will with a solicitor can range from £125 to £260* for basic single wills, with mirror wills costing £200 to £400* on average.
Although the upfront cost is higher, a solicitor's expertise can offer peace of mind that your wishes and assets are correctly documented and enable you to make informed decisions regarding your family's future.
Cost by Will Type
A will is a legal document stating what you want to happen to your estate when you die. It allows you to arrange your financial affairs, including naming the individuals you want your assets left to and who will be the executor of your estate.
Below we look at the different will types and their costs*:
| Will Type | Suitable for | Solicitor Costs | Will Writer Costs | Online Will Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Will | One person creating a simple will | £125 - £260 | £80 - £160 | £29.95 - £90 |
| Mirror or Joint Will | Couples combining wills or creating two almost identical documents | £200 - £400 | £120 - £300 | £49.50 - £135 |
| Trust Will | Those who want the added protection of a trust | £378 | / | / |
*Cost data are taken from a report by IRN Legal Reports and Remember a Charity.
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Different Types of Wills
Single Will
Costing an average of £125 - £260 when using a solicitor, a single will is the cheapest and most common type of will. It is designed for one person and can be made whether or not you have a partner.
The process involves a consultation with a will writer or solicitor to discuss your wishes. This is then revised and summarised before the legal documents are drafted.
Mirror and Joint Wills
A mirror will made with a solicitor costs on average £200 - £400. This is when the wills of two partners mirror each other, leaving their possessions to the surviving partner in the event of their death.
Joint wills are often used by married couples. It is created by two or more people and comes into effect once all those involved have passed away.
Trust Wills
The cost of trust wills varies but on average starts at £378. A trust is a legal structure that provides increased asset protection for your beneficiaries. It also allows you to nominate trustees who will handle the trust.
Including a trust can make the will writing process lengthier and therefore result in higher costs. The cost will also depend on the type of Trust Will you require.
These include:
- Discretionary Trust Wills
- Bare Trusts
- Life Interest Trust Wills
- Vulnerable Beneficiary Trust
- Property Trust Will
Factors that Affect Will Costs
Several factors can impact how much you pay to make your will. Many of these result in higher costs due to the extra work your will writer or solicitor will need to do.
These include, but are not limited to:
The value of your estate and whether you have multiple assets
The complexity and reach of the estate (e.g. overseas property or business)
The type of will you require (single will or a mirror will, for example)
If you are considering putting assets in a trust
Whether you use an online service, a will writer or a solicitor
If there is any family conflict that could impact the writing of your will
Your location, with costs higher in bigger cities like London
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Are There Any Additional Costs?
You may wish to make changes to your will after it has been written and finalised. This is known as a codicil and is essential to ensure your updated wishes are documented officially. According to Remember a Charity, the average cost for this amendment is £30 - £70 per codicil.
Once a will has been created, it can only be changed with a codicil or by creating a new will. Adding family members, changing addresses, divorce or marriage are just a few reasons people update their will.
Benefits of Using a Solicitor
Here are the key advantages of using a solicitor to help with writing your will:
Reduce the Risk of Errors
Using a legal professional reduces the risk of errors in your will. This is vital, as any mistakes or ambiguity can cause issues during the probate process and can impact how your wishes are carried out. With their experience, resources and knowledge, solicitors can explain the jargon, ensuring you fully understand the process.
Ensures Legal Compliance
Using a solicitor can establish whether a will is valid and legally binding by adhering to legal guidelines. This includes making sure certain conditions are met, for example, ensuring two independent adults (who are not beneficiaries) witness the will being signed by the testator (the person making the will).
Tailored to Your Unique Circumstances
Working with a solicitor means you can clarify your intentions and create a will that is tailored to your circumstances. Your will can include details beyond the distribution of assets, such as naming a legal guardian for children under 18. They can also help you navigate complex issues like Inheritance Tax implications and estate planning.
Professional Drafting and Secure Document Storage
Not only will solicitors draft and prepare the will and any subsequent codicils, but many can also store your will safely. This can give you peace of mind knowing the original will is safe and accessible. Many solicitors will store your will for free if you have used them to create the document.
Support with Estate Administration and Probate
If you use a solicitor who provides both will writing and probate services, they can be utilised for estate planning and probate in the event of your death. This can help streamline the process and make things easier for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Should I Use a Will Writer or Solicitor?
Below we look at using a solicitor vs using a will writing service. Although it may cost less to use a will-writing service, you may have more legal protection when using a solicitor.
This table can help you decide which option is right for you and your needs:
| Using a Solicitor | Using a Will Writing Service |
|---|---|
| Higher costs (from £125 - £260 for single will) | Lower costs (from £80 - £160 for single will) |
| SRA backing and more legal protection | May not be legally qualified |
| Can provide professional legal advice | Can be more convenient |
| Can store your will for you | No guarantee they can store your will |
| Must adhere to strict codes of conduct | Wider choice of companies offering this service |
Ways to Make a Will in the UK
There are several options when it comes to obtaining a will. You can either choose to pay a solicitor or a will writer, or you can opt for an online option. Alternatively, some people may be eligible for free wills via charities and trade unions. There is also the option of making a will yourself.
Instruct a Solicitor or Professional Will Writer
Whether you work with a legal firm or independent will writer, using a professional can provide peace of mind. You will likely need to pay for these services yourself, but the cost can be worthwhile.
Some charities offer free wills that can be made with solicitors, such as Mind and Macmillan Cancer Support. Charity-Solicitor Partnerships are useful if you want to leave a charity donation in your will.
Trade Unions also offer will services. GMB and CWU Unions established Unionline which offers a free simple will service to members, with discount rates for more complex wills.
Free Wills Month
Free Wills Month takes place in the UK during March and October and is offered to people over the age of 55. It gives individuals the opportunity to have simple wills written or updated by a solicitor without charge.
Aimed at those who wish to leave a gift to charity, participating charities include Mind, Samaritans and The British Heart Foundation.
Wills created under this campaign will be basic. If your will is likely to be complicated or include high-value assets, you should contact a will-writing solicitor.
Free Wills Online
Free wills are available online but will be basic and may not meet certain legal requirements.
They can be useful for someone with very little assets and straightforward wishes. They are not recommended for vast or complicated estates or if you want to set up a trust.
Making a Will Yourself
It is possible to make a DIY will, but you will need to familiarise yourself with the will-writing process. In some cases, this can be free or if there is a cost, it can be as little as £30.
Errors or issues with the will can cause disputes and family fallouts, so you will need to be sure you are confident in creating your own DIY will. A DIY will is only legally binding if it follows the formalities set out in the Wills Act 1837.
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Next Steps: Finding a Will Writer
It is highly recommended that you use an expert will writer when creating your will. They can help you navigate the legal jargon, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what will is right for you. When choosing a professional, you should ensure they are regulated, well-reviewed and upfront about costs.
At Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 6 verified and reliable will writers on our network. Our partners operate with the utmost sensitivity, guiding you through the process and assisting with any queries you may have.
You can be safe in the knowledge that our network of trusted and licenced will writers are regulated by either:
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW)
Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW)
The Society of Will Writers (SWW)
