How Much Does It Cost To Write A Will in the UK

Most of us avoid thinking about wills. It feels grim, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing, having one written is one of the most responsible moves you can make for your family. It spares them messy disputes, endless paperwork, and the legal chaos that comes when things are left unsaid. But the burning question most people ask first is simple: how much does it cost to write a will?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs vary depending on whether you use a solicitor, an online service, or a DIY kit you grab from WHSmith. Some people get advice from Martin Lewis and others just want the cheapest way possible. So, let’s break this down clearly and walk through what you’ll actually pay in the UK today, and why spending wisely here could save your loved ones a fortune later.

Do You Really Need a Solicitor to Make a Will?

Let’s start with the most common question. Do you even need a solicitor? Strictly speaking, no. In the UK, anyone over 18 can write their own will. It’s legally valid as long as it’s signed and witnessed properly. That’s why DIY will kits exist.

But here’s the catch: while a DIY will is valid, it can easily go wrong. If you’ve got:

• Property abroad

• A business

• Children from different marriages

• Large savings or investments

• A desire to avoid inheritance tax traps

…then going solo could backfire. A small error in wording might mean your wishes aren’t carried out. That’s when a solicitor becomes essential. They’ll draft a will that not only says what you want but also ensures it stands up in court.

For straightforward estates (say, you own a house, have some savings, and want everything left to your spouse and children), an online or DIY will can work fine. But when things get complex, think solicitor. It’s a bit like fixing a leaky tap, you might manage with YouTube tutorials, but if your pipes are ancient and dodgy, you’ll want a plumber.

How Much Should a Solicitor Charge for Writing a Will?

This is where most people worry about being overcharged. Solicitor fees for wills in the UK usually depend on the complexity of your situation. Here’s a ballpark:

• Simple single will – £150 to £300

• Mirror wills (for couples) – £250 to £600

• Complex wills (trusts, overseas property, tax planning) – £500 to £1,000+

Prices can vary depending on where you live. In London, you’ll probably pay more than in a small town in Yorkshire. Some solicitors charge a fixed fee; others bill by the hour. Always ask upfront, and don’t be afraid to shop around.

Also, remember this: many solicitors offer free will month promotions through charities. You make a donation to the charity, and they sort your will. That can slash your cost dramatically, especially if your needs aren’t too complex.

How Much Is It to Write a Will Without a Solicitor?

Not everyone wants to shell out hundreds of pounds. Thankfully, there are cheaper options.

DIY will kits – These are available in stationery shops or online for around £10–£30. They include a template and instructions. The risk? You’ve got to fill everything in correctly, and mistakes can make the will invalid.

Online will-writing services – These are booming. For around £50–£150, you answer some questions online, and the system generates a legally valid will. Some services also have lawyers on hand to check your draft for an added fee.

Banks and charities – Some banks still offer will-writing services, though these are becoming rarer. Charities often provide free or low-cost options if you leave them a gift in your will.

So yes, you could technically write your will for the price of a takeaway. But ask yourself: is that worth the risk? Sometimes saving £200 today can cost your family thousands in disputes later.

Will Writing Martin Lewis – What Does He Recommend?

If you’ve followed Martin Lewis (the Money Saving Expert), you’ll know he’s big on will writing. His main advice is straightforward: don’t put it off, and don’t assume it’s just for the rich.

He points out that many people die without wills (called intestate), which throws their families into a legal mess. Instead of your wishes, the government’s rules decide who gets what. That’s rarely what you’d want.

Martin Lewis recommends shopping around. He often highlights discounted or free will-writing schemes, especially during Free Wills Month or National Will Writing campaigns. His view is: if you can get it done affordably by a proper solicitor (through these schemes), you should. He’s wary of super-cheap DIY kits unless your situation is very, very basic.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Will

So why does the cost swing from £30 to £1,000? It depends on complexity. Here are the main factors:

• Assets – The more property, savings, and investments you have, the more detail your will needs.

• Family setup – Children from different marriages, stepfamilies, or dependents complicate things.

• Business ownership – If you run a company, your will needs to cover succession planning.

• Trusts – Adding trusts (say, to protect young children or vulnerable relatives) makes drafting more technical.

• Tax planning – Minimising inheritance tax isn’t straightforward and usually requires expert advice.

Think of it like car insurance. A basic policy is cheap. But if you want full protection with breakdown cover, a courtesy car, and all the extras, you’ll pay more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Will Writing Option

Here’s a simple roadmap to help you decide which path to take.

Step 1: Assess your situation.
Is your estate simple (just a house and savings going to one or two people)? Or complicated (businesses, multiple properties, blended families)?

Step 2: Decide on your risk comfort.
If you’re confident you can handle a straightforward template, a DIY or online will may be fine. If you’re nervous about mistakes, solicitor is safer.

Step 3: Check your budget.
If you can afford £200–£300, a solicitor-written will is usually the most secure. If money is tight, look into online services.

Step 4: Look out for free will schemes.
Check charity campaigns, or ask local solicitors if they participate in national events.

Step 5: Review regularly.
Whatever option you choose, remember wills aren’t “one and done.” Update them if you move house, get married, divorced, or have children.

FAQs About Writing a Will

Can I change my will later?
Yes. You can write a new will anytime, as long as it’s properly signed and witnessed.

How often should I update it?
Experts suggest reviewing it every 3–5 years, or after major life events.

Is a handwritten will valid in the UK?
Technically yes, as long as it’s signed and witnessed. But handwritten wills often cause confusion and disputes, so it’s risky.

What happens if I don’t write a will?
The government’s intestacy rules decide who gets your estate. This may not reflect your wishes, for example, unmarried partners don’t automatically inherit.

Are online wills legally binding?
Yes, as long as they’re signed and witnessed correctly. The danger is not the format, but whether they’re filled out accurately.

Final Thoughts on Will Writing Costs

Writing a will might feel like another dull admin task, but it’s one of the kindest things you can do for your family. The cost doesn’t have to be huge. For simple estates, you could spend under £100. For peace of mind, a solicitor-drafted will usually runs between £200 and £500. For complex estates, yes, it can hit £1,000 or more, but that’s small change compared to the financial mess left behind if you die intestate.

So, don’t overthink it. Choose the option that matches your needs, your estate, and your budget. The most expensive mistake is doing nothing at all.

And if you want to keep learning about tools and services that simplify life, from legal paperwork to blogging hacks, check out resources at Spinbot. Whether it’s an AI reword tool, article rewriter, or a guide like this, small steps today make the future easier.