How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will?
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will with a Solicitor? If you also need probate, see our guide on how much do solicitors charge for probate.
The cost of making a will with a solicitor is a worthwhile investment. There are thousands of will writing companies but rarely do they come with the training and level of knowledge offered by a solicitor. Nor do they have the reassurance provided by a sector regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Writing a will is something many people know they need to do, but still keep putting off. Life gets busy and thinking about what happens after we’re gone can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. But the truth is, making a will doesn’t have to be difficult. With the support of a solicitor, it can be handled quickly and with far less stress than most people expect especially when your solicitor offers a fully online service.
Having a professionally written will in place ensures that your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and legal complications are kept to a minimum. It’s one of the most important documents you’ll ever create, and for many, it brings a real sense of relief to finally have it sorted.
On this page we explain what goes into making a will, how much a Will typically costs when written by a solicitor and why using a solicitor is so important.
We also offer the facility to request quotes from three different solicitors who offer a completely online will writing service.
How Does the Online Will Service Work?
You will receive face to face advice and guidance from a fully qualified and experienced specialist will writing solicitor but rather than visiting an office, the advice will be delivered via a video call. Correspondence will be sent via email with final hard copies of the will sent by post. Everything you should expect from a will writing solicitor, delivered in the comfort of your own home.
What is a Will and Why is it so Important?
A will is a legal document that outlines what should happen to your money, property and possessions after you die. It gives you control over who inherits your estate, who will manage it (your executors), and who will take care of any children under 18. You can also use a will to express wishes about your funeral, leave gifts to charities, and prevent people you do not want to inherit from claiming part of your estate.
Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. These are fixed rules that don’t account for personal circumstances, relationships, or modern family setups. For example, unmarried partners and stepchildren have no automatic right to inherit under intestacy, no matter how close the relationship. That’s why not creating a will can lead to serious problems and emotional distress for those left behind.
Why you Should use a Solicitor to make a Will
You can legally write your own will, or use an online or DIY service, but doing so comes with risk. A will is only legally valid if it follows very specific rules and certain errors can result in the whole document being challenged or rejected. Mistakes are often not discovered until after someone dies, by which point it’s too late to fix them.
A solicitor will ensure that your will is:
Solicitors are also regulated and insured. This means that if something does go wrong, your loved ones will have recourse, which is not available with off-the-shelf will templates.
Many people don’t realise just how complex their personal situation is until they sit down with a solicitor. Things like joint ownership of property, foreign assets, business interests, or debts can affect how your estate is distributed. A solicitor can guide you through all of this, and make sure nothing is left out or misunderstood.
How much does it cost to make a will?
The cost of making a will depends on a few factors, such as the firm you use, whether you’re making a single or joint will, and the level of advice and service you need.
For a basic single will (covering straightforward estates and instructions), you can expect to pay somewhere between £125 and £260 including VAT. For mirror wills (two similar wills for a couple) the cost is typically between £200 and £400. More complex wills, such as those involving trusts, multiple beneficiaries, business assets, or inheritance tax planning, may cost £400 or more, depending on the level of legal advice required.
Some online or DIY options advertise will-writing for as little as £30. However, these services are usually unregulated, provide little to no legal advice, and often use templated language that won’t necessarily match your circumstances. While they may seem like a cheap option, they can create problems down the line, especially if your will ends up being contested, unclear, or declared invalid.
Do you really need a will?
The short answer is: yes. Everyone over the age of 18 should have a valid will in place. This is especially true if you own property, have children, live with a partner, run a business, or have particular wishes about how your estate should be divided.
It’s also important to update your will as your circumstances change. Marriage, divorce, children, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect how your estate should be managed. Marriage in particular revokes an existing will outright, and divorce changes how one is read, so both are worth acting on promptly. A solicitor can not only help you draft your will, but also advise you when it’s time to update it to reflect your current wishes and relationships.
Putting off your will can have very real consequences. Families left without a will often face delays, confusion, and added expense at what is already a difficult and emotional time. By contrast, having a clear, legally sound will gives your loved ones guidance and certainty when they need it most.
Get Quotes from Trusted Solicitors Through The Probate Network
If you’re ready to write your will, or even just explore your options, The Probate Network can help. We connect you with up to three qualified solicitors, all offering online, fixed-fee will-writing services.
You can compare prices, check what’s included, and choose the solicitor that’s right for you. There’s no pressure to commit, and no hidden fees. Just clear, professional guidance from solicitors who understand exactly what’s needed to make your wishes legally binding.
Don’t leave it to chance and don’t leave it too late. Request your will-writing quotes and take the first step toward peace of mind.
