How much does it cost to make a will?

The decision to make a will is one of life’s most important steps, ensuring your loved ones are protected after you’re gone. Understanding how much does it cost to make a Will UK is an important first consideration for many people. While costs can vary significantly – from free services to over £500 – choosing the right option depends on your unique circumstances. In this guide, we’ll help you understand all available options and their costs. For personalized advice about your specific situation, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Discover exactly what you’ll pay for your will, what protection you’ll get for your money, and why the cheapest option might cost your loved ones dearly.

Do you need a solicitor?

We will connect you with the right solicitor, near you.

Find a solicitor near me Request a call

How much does a Will cost?

Making a will is more affordable than you might think, with options to suit every budget and need. Your will-writing choices in the UK include:

• Banks (£100-£200): Will-writing services through your existing bank.
• DIY Will Kits (£10-£30): Basic template solution for very simple situations.
• Local Solicitors (£144-£300): Face-to-face expertise and full legal protection.
• Professional Will Writers (£75-£150): Focused expertise at mid-range prices.
• National Law Firms (£200-£500+): Extensive resources and specialist knowledge.
• Charity Schemes (Free/Donation): Professional services supporting good causes.
• Online Will Services (£30-£100): Modern, guided approach for straightforward estates.

What type of Will do you need?

Your personal circumstances and estate complexity determine both the type of will you need and its cost. Take a look at these comprehensive options available:

• Mirror Wills (£200-£400): A cost-effective solution for couples with similar wishes.
• Living Wills (£100-£200): Additional protection for your future healthcare decisions.
• Simple Will (£144-£240): Perfect for straightforward estates with clear beneficiaries.
• Complex Will (£150-£300): Ideal when you need to protect specific interests or have multiple beneficiaries.
• Specialist Will (£500+): Essential for protecting business assets, overseas properties, or trust arrangements.

What affects your Will’s cost?

Several key factors influence the cost of creating your will, impacting both complexity and required legal expertise. These essential factors include:

• Property Location (UK vs International): Overseas assets need specialist legal knowledge.
• Business Ownership (£500+): Business assets require specific legal expertise and tax planning.
• Special Requests (Variable): Unusual requests or specific conditions need careful legal drafting.
• Estate Size (Basic to Complex): Larger estates with multiple assets require more detailed planning.
• Family Structure (Simple to Complex): Blended families or vulnerable dependents need extra protection.

What extra costs should you consider?

Understanding the full financial picture of making your will involves more than just the initial writing cost. Consider these additional potential expenses:

• Probate Costs (£1,500-£3,000+): Future administration of your estate.
• Amendment Costs (£50-£100): Future changes or updates to your will.
• Storage Solutions (£10-£50 yearly): Secure storage in fireproof facilities.
• Registration Fees (£20-£50): Official documentation and will registration.
• Inheritance Tax Planning (£200-£500): Specialist advice for tax efficiency.
• Power of Attorney (£200-£400): Additional legal protection for your future.
• Executor Services (1-5% of estate): Professional executor fees if using a solicitor.

How can you save on Will costs?

Creating a legally valid will doesn’t always mean paying premium prices. These cost-effective options maintain professional standards while protecting your budget:

• Free Wills Month (£0): Available in March and October for over-55s.
• Joint Wills (Save 25-40%): Couples can reduce costs with mirror wills.
• Bank Account Benefits (Often included): Check your premium account perks.
• Online Services with Support (£30-£100): Digital efficiency with expert backup.
• Will Aid (£100 suggested donation): Access solicitors while supporting charities.
• Group Legal Services (Varied): Through employers or membership organizations.
• Early Planning Discount (Save 10-30%): Some firms offer reduced rates for advance planning.

The hidden risks of non-solicitor Will services

While alternative will-writing services might seem cost-effective initially, they can pose significant risks to your estate’s future. Consider these potential pitfalls:

DIY Wills (£10-£30): Creating your own will carries significant legal risks. Without proper guidance, your will could be declared void if witnesses don’t sign correctly or if crucial legal requirements are missed. Poor wording often triggers costly family disputes after death. Most concerning is the complete lack of legal protection – no entity takes responsibility for errors, and without professional storage, your document could be lost or damaged.

Online Services (£30-£100): While online will-writing services offer convenience, they come with notable limitations. The lack of personal guidance becomes problematic for complex situations, and the absence of face-to-face advice means you might miss important legal implications. Their template-based approach struggles with unique circumstances or unusual requests. Moreover, these services typically offer limited liability protection and minimal ongoing support after completion.

Professional Will Writers (£75-£150): Despite their lower costs, professional will writers present several concerning risks. Most operate without formal legal qualifications and lack regulation by official legal authorities. Their expertise may fall short with complex matters, while insurance coverage varies significantly between providers. Long-term security is also questionable. Your will might not be properly stored, and if the company closes, accessing your documents could become impossible.

Bank Will Services (£100-£200): Bank will-writing services often appear trustworthy but have significant drawbacks. Most banks outsource to external companies, meaning you might not receive consistent service or expertise in complex estate matters. Their standardized approach rarely accommodates unique family situations. Additionally, future updates can be problematic as will writers may change, and services might be tied to specific banking products with limited long-term support.

Do I need a lawyer for my Will?

Choosing a solicitor for your will provides essential legal protection and peace of mind. Here’s why professional legal expertise is often worth the investment:

Legal Protection and Expertise: Your will is guaranteed legally valid and properly executed. All work is covered by professional indemnity insurance. Full regulation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ensures your protection. You gain direct access to the Legal Ombudsman if needed.

Professional Estate Planning: Expert guidance on tax efficiency saves your estate money. Complex situations like overseas assets or business ownership are handled professionally. All assets are properly included and distributed. Executors and trustees are appointed with expert guidance.

Future-Proof Protection: Your will is stored safely in fireproof facilities. Regular reviews and updates are efficiently managed. Detailed records of your wishes are maintained. Changes in circumstances can be quickly addressed.

Dispute Prevention: Professional wording prevents potential challenges to your will. Clear legal language helps avoid family conflicts. Complex family situations are handled diplomatically. The risk of your will being contested is significantly reduced.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to make a Will with a solicitor UK? A basic will typically costs between £144-£300 with a solicitor. However, costs can increase to £500+ for complex estates involving overseas properties or business assets.
2. How much does it cost to make a Will and Power of Attorney UK? Combined packages for wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney usually range from £500-£800. This includes your will preparation, both types of Lasting Power of Attorney (, and all registration fees with the Office of Public Guardian.
3. What is the average cost of a Will and trust UK? Will and trust packages start from £500-£800 for basic arrangements, rising to £1,000-£2,500 for complex trust structures. Ongoing trust management typically incurs annual fees from £200, with trust amendments costing £150-£300 per change.

While creating a will may seem like a significant expense, the cost of not having a professionally drafted will often far exceeds initial savings. Investing in proper legal guidance today protects your loved ones from costly disputes tomorrow.

Protect your legacy today!

Take the first step towards securing your family’s future. Our network of qualified solicitors is ready to help craft your will professionally.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Professional will writing through solicitors costs between £144-£300, offering full legal protection and expert guidance for your estate’s future.
• Free and low-cost alternatives exist but carry significant risks, including potential invalidity and family disputes after death.
• Complex situations like business ownership or overseas assets require specialist wills costing £500+, but include crucial legal protections.
• Combining will writing with Powers of Attorney (£500-£800) provides comprehensive protection for both your estate and future care decisions.
• While DIY options start from £10, the lack of legal protection could lead to costly disputes and invalid wills.