Writing a will is one of the most important legal steps anyone can take to protect their estate and loved ones. Yet for many in the UK, the cost of making a will remains a source of confusion and delay. How much does it really cost to create a valid, professionally drafted will? Are DIY options trustworthy? What affects solicitor fees for wills?
At Axis Solicitors, we understand the value of having clear, practical legal guidance. In this guide, we break down the average cost of making a will in the UK, compare will writing options, and explore the factors that influence the final fee—so you can plan with confidence.
From basic wills to complex estate planning, the cost varies widely depending on your circumstances, legal needs, and how you choose to proceed. But getting it wrong can cost far more later down the line. That’s why it pays to understand what you’re paying for and why.
Whether you’re creating a will for the first time or updating an old one, this guide will help you understand the cost of making a will and ensure your wishes are respected.
Why You Need a Will in the First Place
Before diving into the cost of making a will, it’s important to understand why having one matters so much in the first place. A will is not just a legal document; it’s a plan for your legacy, your family’s stability, and the orderly management of everything you’ve worked for. To have a better idea you can also check the official government website GOV.UK
What Happens if You Die Without a Will?
If you pass away without a valid will — legally known as dying intestate — your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy in the UK. These rules are strict and inflexible. They do not take into account your personal relationships, individual wishes, or modern family dynamics.
Without a will:
- Your spouse or civil partner may not automatically inherit everything.
- Unmarried partners receive nothing, regardless of how long you’ve been together.
- Children may inherit earlier than intended or in unintended proportions.
- Disputes among surviving family members can arise, leading to costly legal battles.
Control, Clarity, and Protection
Creating a will gives you control over:
- Who inherits what: You can clearly set out who receives specific assets, money, or property.
- Who manages your estate: You appoint executors you trust to carry out your wishes.
- Who looks after your children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to name guardians.
- Charitable donations: You can leave gifts to causes you care about, potentially reducing Inheritance Tax.
- Business succession: If you own a business, you can ensure it passes to the right hands.
The Cost of Not Having a Will
While some may be put off by the cost of making a will, the financial and emotional toll of not having one is far greater. Families often face delays, court costs, and stress — not to mention the risk of unintended beneficiaries.
A properly drafted will is an investment in peace of mind. It protects your estate, minimises legal complications, and ensures your loved ones aren’t left guessing.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in the UK?
The cost of making a will in the UK can range from completely free (in very basic DIY cases) to several thousand pounds for complex estate plans involving multiple assets, trusts, or international property. The key factors that influence cost include:
- The complexity of your estate
- Whether you use a solicitor or will writing service
- Whether you need a single or mirror will
- Additional legal requirements (e.g. trusts, inheritance tax planning)
Let’s look at the main options and what they typically cost.
1. DIY Wills (Free – £50)
You can write your own will using online templates or store-bought will kits. These typically cost £10 to £50. In some cases, charities offer free will-writing services during promotional campaigns such as Free Wills Month.
Pros:
- Extremely cheap or free
- Fast and accessible
Cons:
- Risk of being legally invalid
- No legal advice
- Can’t handle complex estates
DIY wills are only suitable if your estate is very straightforward — for example, leaving everything to your spouse or children. Even then, mistakes in wording or witnessing can make them invalid.
2. Will Writing Services (Typically £60 – £200)
These are non-solicitor services offered online or by will-writing companies. Prices vary depending on complexity, but they are usually cheaper than solicitors.
What’s included:
- Drafting based on an online questionnaire or consultation
- A legally binding will
- Optional extras like secure storage or review clauses
Limitations:
- Not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Limited liability if things go wrong
- May not be suitable for complex or high-value estates
While some will writing services are reputable, many are not. There is no legal requirement for these providers to be qualified or insured, which poses a risk if your estate has complications.
3. Solicitor-Drafted Wills (Typically £200 – £1,200+)
When you work with a solicitor, you’re paying for regulated legal expertise. This is especially important if:
- You own property
- You have children from different relationships
- You run a business
- You need inheritance tax planning
- You want to include trusts
Single Will: £200 – £600
Mirror Wills (for couples): £300 – £800
Complex Will (with trusts, tax planning): £600 – £1,200+
Specialist Estate Planning Wills: Can exceed £2,000
Solicitors offer legal advice, ensure compliance with UK law, and reduce the risk of disputes. Many firms, including Axis Solicitors, offer fixed-fee packages so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
4. Free Will Offers from Charities
Some charities offer free will-writing services through partner solicitors in exchange for a donation or a gift left to the charity in your will. These are often available during specific campaigns like:
- Free Wills Month (March and October)
- Will Aid (November)
While the cost of making a will is effectively waived, you’re encouraged to leave a charitable gift, and the scope of advice may be limited compared to a private solicitor engagement.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Making a Will
The cost of making a will is not one-size-fits-all. Several key factors affect how much you’ll ultimately pay, and understanding these variables can help you avoid unnecessary costs or underpaying for a service that doesn’t meet your needs.
1. Complexity of Your Estate
This is the single biggest cost driver. The more complex your estate, the more legal expertise is required to ensure your will is accurate and enforceable.
Examples of complex estates:
- Multiple properties or overseas assets
- Business ownership
- Foreign citizenship or residency
- Children from previous relationships
- Significant investments or pensions
Solicitors will need to account for how these assets are distributed, potential inheritance tax issues, and legal safeguards for beneficiaries.
2. Use of Trusts
If your will includes trusts — such as discretionary trusts for children or vulnerable beneficiaries — the legal drafting becomes significantly more complex. Setting up a trust can increase the cost by several hundred pounds, sometimes more, depending on the structure and purpose.
Trusts can be used to:
- Protect minor children’s inheritance
- Protect children’s future from parental alienation
- Control how assets are released over time
- Provide for a disabled family member
- Reduce inheritance tax exposure
3. Type of Will: Single vs Mirror
Single Will: A will for one individual.
Mirror Will: Typically for couples who want nearly identical wills, leaving everything to each other and then to the same beneficiaries (e.g. children).
Mirror wills are often offered at a discounted rate compared to buying two separate single wills. Expect to pay about 1.5x the cost of a single will, not double.
4. Legal Advice and Estate Planning
Some clients simply want a document. Others need detailed advice. If you require estate planning services — including tax advice, setting up life interest trusts, or gifting strategies — you’re paying for an advisory service in addition to will drafting.
5. Geographic Location
Solicitor rates vary across the UK. Wills drafted in London and the South East tend to be more expensive than in other regions due to higher operating costs. However, many firms now offer remote services with fixed fees, levelling out this difference.
6. Regulated vs Unregulated Services
Hiring a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) often costs more than using an unregulated will writer — but it comes with significant legal protection:
- SRA-regulated solicitors must carry indemnity insurance
- You have access to the Legal Ombudsman and compensation schemes if things go wrong
- You get the benefit of fully qualified legal expertise
In contrast, if an unregulated will writer makes an error, your beneficiaries may have little or no recourse.
7. Optional Extras
Many services offer add-ons that can affect the final cost of making a will, including:
- Secure storage: £20 – £50 annually
- Will registration with the National Will Register: £30 – £50
- Home or video consultations
- Updates and review services: Some firms offer free updates for a limited time or charge a subscription
Comparing Solicitors vs Will Writing Services
When considering the cost of making a will, one of the biggest decisions is who to trust with preparing it: a regulated solicitor or a commercial will writing service. Both offer distinct advantages — but also risks.
Solicitors: Legal Expertise and Regulation
Solicitors are fully qualified legal professionals regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Their advice carries legal weight, and they’re held to strict professional standards.
Pros of Using a Solicitor:
- Legally trained and regulated
- Full legal advice tailored to your estate
- Suitable for complex wills involving property, trusts, or tax
- Covered by professional indemnity insurance
- Greater protection against errors or omissions
Cons:
- Higher cost (but fixed-fee options are common)
- May require an in-person meeting, although many now offer virtual consultations
Best for: Individuals with significant assets, blended families, business interests, or tax planning needs.
Will Writing Services: Cost-Effective But Riskier
Will writing services are usually cheaper than solicitors and often operate online or over the phone. However, these services are mostly unregulated, and the legal safeguards are limited.
Pros of Will Writing Services:
- Lower upfront cost
- Convenient online process
- Quick turnaround times
- Suitable for simple wills
Cons:
- Limited or no legal training
- No SRA regulation
- Errors may go unnoticed until after death
- Limited liability or recourse if mistakes are made
Best for: People with very simple estates and no children from previous relationships or significant assets.
Case Example: When Cheap Can Cost You
A couple uses a cheap online will writing service to leave everything to each other, then to their children. But the service doesn’t account for:
- Joint tenancy property rules
- Inheritance Tax thresholds
- Guardian appointments for minor children
When one partner dies, the will’s wording causes unintended tax consequences and a legal dispute over guardianship — costing the family thousands in probate litigation. A regulated solicitor would have prevented this with proper legal structuring.
Hybrid Options
Some services offer the best of both worlds — an online will writing experience with solicitor review or consultation. These often fall in the £150–£400 range and provide more peace of mind than basic online services.
How Often Should You Update Your Will and What Does It Cost?
Writing your will isn’t a one-time task. Life changes — and when it does, your will should reflect those changes. But how often should you update your will? And what’s the cost of making a will update in the UK?
When Should You Update Your Will?
You should consider reviewing and updating your will whenever a significant life event occurs. Common triggers include:
- Marriage or civil partnership: This revokes any previous will under UK law.
- Divorce or separation: Your ex-partner may still inherit unless your will is revised.
- Birth or adoption of children: You may want to include new dependents or guardians.
- Death of a beneficiary or executor: Update to reflect their replacement.
- Major changes in assets: Selling property, inheriting wealth, or starting a business.
- Relocation abroad: Different legal systems may require new wills or cross-border planning.
Even if nothing dramatic changes, it’s wise to review your will every 3 to 5 years to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Options for Updating a Will
There are two main ways to legally update your will:
1. Codicil
A codicil is a legal document used to make minor changes to an existing will — such as changing an executor or updating a gift. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as your will.
Typical cost: £40 – £150
Risk: Overuse of codicils or poor drafting can cause confusion.
2. Rewriting the Will
If the changes are more substantial — e.g. adding new beneficiaries, rewriting trusts, or changing your estate structure — it’s safer to create a new will and revoke the old one.
Cost of rewriting a will:
- Simple rewrite: £100 – £300
- Complex rewrite: £400 – £1,000+ depending on scope
Solicitors usually offer a lower rate to existing clients or provide an update package when you first draft your will.
Subscription-Based Update Services
Some will writing services offer annual subscription models (often £10–£50 per year) that allow you to make unlimited or discounted updates. While this sounds appealing, these services may be unregulated and offer limited legal scrutiny.
Why You Should Never Handwrite Changes
Altering a will by handwriting edits or crossing out sections can invalidate the document or lead to it being contested. Any changes must be done formally and properly witnessed.
What’s Included in the Cost of Making a Will?
When paying for a professional will, you’re not just buying a document — you’re investing in a legal service. The cost of making a will often reflects the scope of work involved in tailoring it to your life, family, and financial circumstances.
Here’s a breakdown of what that cost typically includes.
1. Initial Consultation or Questionnaire
This step helps the solicitor or will writing service understand:
- Your assets and liabilities
- Your family structure
- Your wishes for distribution
- Any specific concerns (e.g. dependents, tax, debts)
Some firms offer in-person consultations, while others use online forms or phone interviews.
Included in cost? Yes. Most firms bundle this into the overall fee.
2. Legal Advice and Estate Planning Guidance
Qualified solicitors assess your estate and advise you on:
- Inheritance tax implications
- Use of trusts
- Ownership structure of your assets (joint vs sole)
- Business or foreign asset implications
This advice ensures your will isn’t just legally valid — but strategically drafted.
Included in cost?
- Yes, for solicitor-drafted wills
- Rarely, for online will services or budget providers
3. Drafting the Will Document
This is the core task: drafting the will according to your wishes and legal requirements. It includes:
- Appointment of executors and guardians
- Asset distribution instructions
- Special provisions (e.g. funeral wishes, specific gifts, trusts)
Most providers allow for one round of revisions before finalisation.
4. Execution Guidance
The will must be signed and witnessed correctly to be valid under UK law. Many providers offer guidance or even in-person witnessing to make sure this step isn’t botched.
Included?
- Yes, for most solicitors
- Varies with will writing services
5. Secure Storage
Storing your will in a secure location is critical. Lost wills or multiple conflicting versions create legal problems. Some firms offer:
- Physical secure storage (fireproof facilities)
- Digital will registration with The National Will Register
Storage costs:
- Sometimes included for the first year
- £20–£50/year thereafter
6. Copies and Additional Documents
Professionals often provide:
- Certified copies for your executors or family
- Letters of wishes (informal guidance to accompany the will)
- Drafts for review
7. Optional Add-ons
Some services include or offer for an additional fee:
- Inheritance Tax planning
- Lasting Power of Attorney setup
- Funeral plan advice
- Trust creation
These can add £200–£2,000+ to the overall estate planning cost, depending on complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it typically cost to make a will in the UK?
The cost of making a will in the UK varies depending on complexity and the type of service you use:
- DIY Will: Free – £50
- Online Will Writing Services: £60 – £200
- Solicitor-Drafted Will: £200 – £1,200+
- Specialist Estate Planning Wills: £1,000 – £2,500+
Prices are usually lower for simple estates and higher for complex financial or family circumstances.
Why does the cost of making a will vary so much?
The variation in the cost of making a will is due to several factors:
- Complexity of your estate (properties, children, inheritance tax issues)
- Use of trusts or tax planning
- Whether you’re creating a single or mirror will
- Whether legal advice is included
- Regulation level (solicitor vs unregulated service)
- Optional extras such as secure storage or will registration
The more tailored and legally robust your will needs to be, the more it will cost.
Is it worth paying a solicitor instead of using a cheap will writing service?
If your estate is even slightly complex, paying a solicitor is often a wise decision. While the cost of making a will with a solicitor is higher, you’re getting:
- Regulated legal advice
- Protection via professional indemnity insurance
- Expertise in estate planning and inheritance tax
- Better risk management for disputes
Cheap services may save money now but cost your family far more if the will is invalid or contested.
Can I update my will without paying full price again?
Yes. You can update your will through:
- Codicils: Costing £40 – £150 for minor changes
- Rewriting: £100 – £300 for simple updates, more for complex changes
Some providers include updates in a subscription model, or offer reduced rates for existing clients.
Does the cost of making a will include Inheritance Tax planning?
Not always. Basic will writing usually doesn’t include tax advice. If you require inheritance tax mitigation strategies — such as lifetime gifts, trusts, or spousal exemptions — this adds to the cost of making a will, often by several hundred pounds.
What happens if I don’t make a will?
Dying without a will (intestate) can lead to:
- Assets going to unintended people
- Delays in probate
- Higher legal costs for your family
- Increased inheritance tax liabilities
Compared to the emotional and financial toll on your loved ones, the cost of making a will is a small price to pay for clarity and protection.
Is the cost of making a will tax-deductible in the UK?
No. The cost of making a will is considered a personal expense and is not tax-deductible in the UK for individuals. However, certain estate planning costs may be deductible for businesses or complex trusts under specific conditions — legal advice should be sought.
Are mirror wills cheaper?
Yes. Mirror wills — typically used by spouses or civil partners — are often priced at around 1.5x the cost of a single will. For example, if a single will costs £250, a mirror will may cost around £375 instead of £500.
Can I make a will for free?
There are a few ways to reduce or eliminate the cost of making a will:
- Free Wills Month and Will Aid: Charities offer free basic wills in return for a donation or legacy gift.
- DIY wills: Templates and kits can be used for free or low cost — but carry high risk if misused.
- Legal insurance: Some home or life insurance policies include will drafting services.
However, if your estate is anything but basic, a free will might cost your family dearly later on.
Is will storage included in the cost?
Some solicitors and services include free storage for a year or more. After that, storage usually costs:
- Physical storage: £20 – £50 per year
- Digital registration with the National Will Register: Around £30–£40 one-off
Always clarify what’s included in the cost of making a will before committing.
What is contesting a will?
Contesting a will means legally challenging its validity in court. This typically occurs when someone believes the will does not reflect the true intentions of the deceased. Common reasons include:
- Lack of testamentary capacity
- Undue influence
- Fraud or forger
How can I keep the cost of making a will down without sacrificing quality?
Here are a few strategies:
- Choose a solicitor offering fixed-fee wills
- Use a hybrid online/solicitor model
- Avoid unnecessary extras unless needed
- Keep your estate planning focused
- Prepare a full asset list beforehand to save time during consultations
Ultimately, it’s about balancing affordability with long-term legal security.
What is a Will Dispute and how to deal with it?
A will dispute, also known as a will contest, is a legal challenge to the validity or terms of a deceased person’s will. It can involve questioning whether the will was validly made, if the deceased had the capacity to make it, or if it was the product of undue influence or fraud.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t leave your estate to chance. Protect your family, your home, and your future today.
Contact Axis Solicitors now for initial consultation.
We’ll walk you through your options, explain the cost of making a will, and help you choose the right service for your needs.
