A will is a vital legal document that sets out your wishes for your assets after death. Without one, your estate may not go to the people you intended. In the UK, anyone can write a will, giving you multiple options for creating this important document.
The best will writing services combine affordability with legal expertise. They offer different approaches to suit various needs and budgets. Some focus on simple online solutions, while others provide comprehensive face-to-face consultations with regulated professionals.
Will writing services UK providers range from traditional solicitors to modern online platforms.
The Competition and Markets Authority recognises three main options: writing it yourself, using regulated professionals, or choosing unregulated professional will writers.
Types of Will writing services available
Online Will writing services
Online will writing service UK providers offer convenience and cost savings. They use questionnaires to gather your information. These services suit people with straightforward estates and clear wishes.
Writing your will online typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete. Most platforms guide you through each step clearly. The process is usually much faster than traditional methods.
Popular online services include platforms that create legally binding documents. They often provide customer support via phone or email. Many offer money-back guarantees for added peace of mind.
Regulated professional services
Regulated professionals include solicitors and other qualified legal practitioners. They operate under strict regulatory oversight with mandatory codes of conduct. These providers offer the highest level of consumer protection available.
Will writing service vs solicitor comparisons show regulated professionals cost more but provide extensive safeguards. You can complain to the Legal Ombudsman if problems aren’t resolved directly.
Professional indemnity insurance covers potential errors or negligence. Regulated services must meet specific training and qualification standards. They follow established complaint procedures and compensation schemes. This regulatory framework protects consumers from poor service or professional misconduct.
Unregulated professional Will writers
Local will writing services often operate as unregulated professionals offering competitive pricing.
They may belong to self-regulatory bodies with their own standards and complaint procedures. These providers offer a middle ground between DIY options and regulated professionals.
Many unregulated writers have extensive experience and professional qualifications. Self-regulatory bodies like the Society of Will Writers set training standards for members. However, consumer protections differ from those available with regulated services.
Always verify membership of recognised self-regulatory organisations. Check their complaint handling procedures and insurance requirements. The Competition and Markets Authority recommends minimum professional indemnity cover of £2 million.
Cost comparison of Will writing services
| Service Type | Single Will Cost | Joint Will Cost | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Service | £20-£150 | £30-£200 | 30-60 minutes |
| High Street Writer | £100-£300 | £150-£450 | 1-2 weeks |
| Solicitor | £150-£500 | £250-£800 | 2-4 weeks |
| DIY Kit | £10-£50 | £15-£75 | 1-3 hours |
Understanding Will writing costs
How much is a will writing service depends on several factors. The complexity of your estate affects the price significantly. Simple wills cost less than those with multiple beneficiaries.
Cost of will writing service varies by location across the UK. London-based services typically charge more than those in other regions. Rural areas often have competitive pricing from local providers.
UK residents can expect to pay between £20-£500. Online services offer the cheapest options. Solicitors charge premium rates but provide comprehensive legal protection.
Essential pre purchase considerations
Verifying provider credentials
Before choosing any will writing service, verify their regulatory status independently. Check regulator websites rather than relying on provider claims. Some businesses employ regulated professionals but aren’t regulated themselves.
For SRA-regulated firms in England and Wales, look for green tick marks and ‘SRA-regulated firm’ designations. The firm’s website should display the SRA’s clickable logo. These visual indicators confirm full regulatory compliance.
Ask potential providers for detailed information about their qualifications and experience. Request evidence of ongoing training and professional development. Understand their complaint procedures and available remedies if problems arise.
Understanding service delivery models
Clarify exactly what service you’re purchasing before making any commitment. Some providers draft wills personally, whilst others use external businesses or automated templates. Online services typically provide forms for you to complete independently.
The best online will writing services in the UK clearly explain their process and involvement level. They specify whether legal professionals review your completed will. This transparency helps you choose services matching your needs and expectations.
Get written confirmation of service details if anything seems unclear. Take screenshots or download quotes for future reference. This documentation protects you if disputes arise about promised services.
Understand exactly what’s included in quoted prices before committing to any service. One-off fees should clearly specify included and excluded services. Hourly rate services need agreed cost limits to prevent unexpected charges.
Will writing service cost calculations must include all mandatory fees. It’s illegal for businesses to advertise prices then introduce additional non-optional charges later.
You can refuse such services and seek alternatives. Keep detailed records of quoted prices and service specifications. Screenshots and downloads provide evidence for future disputes. This documentation proves what was originally promised and agreed.
What to look for in a will writing service?
Read all terms and conditions carefully before signing any agreements. Look for concerning clauses that might indicate untrustworthy providers. Some businesses include unfair terms in small print.
Warning signs include:
- Unexplained charges not agreed upfront
- Unfair compensation limits for provider errors
- Pressure to buy unnecessary additional services
- Claims of legal review without actual legal advice
Consumer rights and protection
You have legal rights when purchasing will writing services regardless of provider type. General consumer protection law applies to all providers including online services and unregulated writers. Understanding these rights helps you make informed decisions.
Online purchases and services bought away from business premises include 14-day cooling-off periods.
Additional services and potential pitfalls
Professional executor services
Some will writers offer to act as executors of your will for additional fees. Executors handle estate administration and carry out the deceased’s wishes. While professional executors provide expertise, they’re not legally required.
Consider these factors before appointing professional executors:
- Your estate will be charged fees when services are eventually needed
- Changing your mind later requires will amendments and administrative costs
- Beneficiaries may struggle to agree replacement executors if needed
Storage and additional services
Quick will writing service providers often offer storage, updating subscriptions, and estate planning services. These additional services aren’t necessary for valid wills. You can purchase them separately from different providers if needed.
Will storage considerations include:
- Physical location and security of original documents
- Costs and what happens if the business stops trading
- Fees for document retrieval or amendments
- Subscription auto-renewal and cancellation procedures
Service quality indicators
Regulatory bodies and Self-regulatory organisations
Legal services regulators
Different parts of the UK have separate legal services regulators overseeing professional will writers. In England and Wales, the Solicitors Regulation Authority regulates solicitor firms. Scotland has its own regulatory framework for legal professionals.
Regulated professionals must follow mandatory codes of conduct and meet specific qualification requirements.
They provide access to official complaint procedures through the Legal Ombudsman or Scottish Legal Complaints Commission. Professional indemnity insurance coverage protects consumers from financial losses.
Self-regulatory bodies
Trusted will writing providers often belong to recognised self-regulatory organisations. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Society of Will Writers provides industry standards. The Institute of Professional Will writers operates an approved code scheme.
These voluntary organisations set membership requirements including:
- Professional qualifications and training standards
- Minimum professional indemnity insurance levels
- Complaint handling procedures and resolution processes
- Ongoing professional development requirements
Membership doesn’t guarantee service quality but indicates commitment to industry standards. Always verify membership independently through organisation websites rather than relying on provider claims.
When problems arise
If you experience issues with your will writing service, contact the provider directly first. Document all communications and keep records of your attempts to resolve problems. Most reputable providers have formal complaint procedures for addressing customer concerns.
Regulated professionals offer additional complaint routes through official ombudsman services.
The Legal Ombudsman handles complaints about regulated providers in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own complaint handling systems.
Self-regulatory body members may access additional complaint resolution services. These organisations often provide mediation between members and customers. However, their powers are generally more limited than official regulatory bodies.
Consumer protection resources
For general consumer protection advice, contact Citizens Advice in England and Wales (0808 223 1133).
Scottish residents can contact Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Citizens Advice Scotland (0800 028 1456). Northern Ireland residents should contact Consumer line (0300 123 6262).
These services provide free advice about your consumer rights and options for resolving disputes. They can pass information about serious problems to Trading Standards for investigation. Online resources and chat services are also available.
Comparison Framework
Service comparison checklist
When you compare will writing services, use this systematic approach:
Legal Compliance:
- Guarantees legal validity
- Updates for law changes
- Clear execution instructions
Cost Structure:
- Transparent pricing
- No hidden fees
- Value for money
Support Quality:
- Multiple contact methods
- Qualified staff
- After-sales service
Decision Matrix
| Factor | Weight | Online Service | High Street Writer | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 25% | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| Convenience | 20% | Excellent | Fair | Poor |
| Legal Protection | 30% | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Personal Service | 15% | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Speed | 10% | Excellent | Good | Fair |
This matrix helps evaluate which will writing service suits your priorities. Assign weights based on your personal requirements. Calculate scores to find the best match.
Consumer Protection and Advice:
- Citizens Advice (England and Wales): 0808 223 1133
- Advice Direct Scotland: 0808 164 6000
- Citizens Advice Scotland: 0800 028 1456
- Consumer line (Northern Ireland): 0300 123 6262
Will Storage Information:
- HM Courts and Tribunals Service will storage guidance
- Government guidance on making a will (www.gov.uk)
Self-Regulatory Bodies:
- The Society of Will Writers
- The Institute of Professional Will writers
Legal Services Regulators:
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (England and Wales)
- Legal Ombudsman (England and Wales)
- Scottish Legal Complaints Commission
- Law Society of Northern Ireland
Special considerations
Complex estate requirements
High-value estates need specialist attention from qualified professionals. Legal services consumer panel will writing guidance recommends professional advice for complex situations. This includes multiple properties, business interests, or overseas assets.
International assets require expert knowledge of multiple legal systems. Not all will writing services handle these complexities adequately. Specialist solicitors often provide the best solution.
Tax planning becomes crucial for larger estates. Professional advice can significantly reduce inheritance tax liability. This expertise often justifies higher service costs through tax savings.
Vulnerable client protection
Legal services board consultation on will writing emphasises protecting vulnerable clients. Elderly or disabled people need additional safeguards against pressure or exploitation.
Reputable services have protocols for identifying vulnerable clients. They may require family member involvement or medical confirmation. These protections ensure genuine free will in decision-making.
Services should refuse instructions if clients lack mental capacity. They must recognise signs of undue influence from family members. Professional providers prioritise client welfare over profits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a will writing service cost?
How much does a will writing service cost depends on the service type you choose. Online services typically charge £20-£150 for a single will. Traditional solicitors charge £150-£500, whilst high street writers cost £100-£300.
Which will writing service is best for simple estates?
For straightforward estates, online will writing services offer excellent value and convenience. They suit people with clear beneficiaries and simple asset distributions. The process is quick and much cheaper than traditional alternatives.
How do I verify if a will writing service is properly regulated?
Check the regulator’s website directly rather than relying on the provider’s claims. For England and Wales, look for the green tick and ‘SRA-regulated firm’ designation on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website. The firm should also display the SRA’s clickable logo.
Can I update my will easily after it’s created?
Most reputable will writing services offer update options, though costs vary significantly. Some online services include free updates for a specific period. Others charge reasonable fees for minor amendments like changing beneficiaries or executors.
What additional services might be offered and do I need them?
Common additional services include professional executor appointments, will storage, update subscriptions, and estate planning services. None of these are necessary for a valid will, and you can purchase them separately from different providers if needed.
Will storage services vary in quality and cost. You can store your will safely at home or with HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Estate planning and trust services require careful consideration due to potential serious consequences if unsuitable.
What should I do if I’m pressured during a sales visit?
End the appointment immediately if you feel uncomfortable or pressured. Ask sales representatives to leave your home if they overstay agreed timeframes. You’re not obligated to continue conversations that make you uncomfortable.
Do online wills have the same legal validity as solicitor-prepared wills?
Yes, properly prepared online wills have identical legal validity to those created by solicitors.
The key requirement is following correct execution procedures including proper witnessing and signing.
How long does the will writing process take?
Process times vary significantly between different service types:
Online Services: 30-60 minutes for completion, plus 1-2 weeks for printing and delivery
High Street Writers: 1-2 weeks from initial consultation to final document
Solicitors: 2-4 weeks depending on complexity and appointment availability
