How Much Does a Will Cost?

A breakdown of will writing costs in the UK, from DIY kits to solicitors and online services.

Will writing costs at a glance

The cost of making a will in the UK varies widely depending on how you go about it. Here's a rough guide:

| Method | Typical cost | Best for | |--------|-------------|----------| | DIY will kit | £10–£30 | Very simple estates (not recommended) | | Online will service | £90–£250 | Most people with straightforward needs | | Solicitor (in person) | £200–£500+ | Complex estates or unusual circumstances | | Mirror wills (couple) | £150–£400 online, £300–£800+ solicitor | Married couples or civil partners |

Prices vary by region, complexity, and the provider you choose. London solicitors typically charge more than those elsewhere in England and Wales.

What affects the price?

Several factors influence how much you'll pay:

Complexity of your estate — multiple properties, business interests, or trusts will cost more
Number of beneficiaries — more people to provide for means more detailed drafting
Mirror wills — couples often get a discount for two wills that mirror each other
Additional documents — a lasting power of attorney or letter of wishes may cost extra
Revisions — some providers include amendments; others charge per change

Will kits from stationery shops or online templates are the cheapest option, but they come with serious risks. If the wording is ambiguous, the signing isn't done correctly, or you miss a legal requirement, your will could be challenged or declared invalid.

The cost of fixing a disputed will in court can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds — far more than professional will writing would have cost in the first place.

The cheapest will isn't always the best value. A poorly drafted will can cost your family far more than a properly written one.

Online will-writing services

Online services like GetWill offer a middle ground: professional quality at an affordable price. You answer guided questions about your wishes, and a legal professional reviews the document before it's finalised.

This approach works well for most people, especially those with straightforward estates. It's quicker than visiting a solicitor in person, and you can do it from home at a time that suits you.

When to use a solicitor

A face-to-face solicitor is worth the extra cost if you have:

A complex family situation (blended families, estranged relatives)
Business assets that need careful succession planning
Property abroad
A large estate where tax planning is critical
Concerns about someone challenging your will

Even in these cases, many online services can handle complexity — it's worth checking before assuming you need to visit a solicitor's office.

Free will schemes

Some charities run Free Wills Month campaigns (usually in March and October) where participating solicitors will write a basic will for free, in the hope that you'll leave a charitable legacy. This can be a good option, though availability is limited and the solicitors may not specialise in wills.

The real cost of not having a will

The most expensive will is the one you never make. Without a will:

The intestacy rules decide who inherits — which may not reflect your wishes
Your family faces a longer, more expensive administration process
Potential disputes between relatives can lead to legal fees of £10,000 or more
You miss out on legitimate tax-saving opportunities

A will is one of the best-value investments you can make for your family's future. For most people, a professionally prepared will costs less than a monthly phone bill — but the peace of mind it gives is priceless.