Writing a will is critical in the estate planning process. Because this determines how your property will be disbursed. However, such a decision leaves many people in a position where they think it will cost too much.
The cost of writing a will in the UK depends on the number of assets and liabilities. One of the determining factors is the type of will that one is to make. Additionally, your solicitor’s fee will also add up to the total cost.
This guide breaks down costs, the will and testament, and a solicitor fee for a will in your choices to assist you in making a good decision.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Making a Will
Here are the factors that influence how much does a will cost in the UK. Once you have an understanding of these factors, you will be able to plan better.
Type of Will (Single vs. Mirror Wills)
The kind of will you wish to make is perhaps the single most important factor that determines the cost that you will incur in the process. Single wills are those that are prepared with reference to the testator, while mirror wills are those prepared for both spouses. Mirror wills are almost similar, whereby one wills his property to the other and vice versa.
Thus, they are less expensive than preparing two separate simple single wills.In general, the price of a single will is around £75 – £255, while mirror will cost between £200 – £400.
Legal Complexity (Simple vs. Complex Wills)
How complicated your will turns out to be depends on the size of the estate. It also depends on the number of beneficiaries and if you will include details on how the distribution should be done. Tentative wills are uncomplicated and basically contain regular instructions concerning the distribution of your property to your loved ones.
However, simple wills contain other features that are not in those of complex wills. Such as creating trusts, the appointment of guardians, or controlling business property. These types of wills may require a little more legal influence and, as such, the cost of a will in the UK.
Involvement of a Solicitor
The most noteworthy variable when it comes to the cost of writing a will relates to whether you decide to go with a solicitor. A will solicitor makes sure that your will is legal and complete.
They will also help you draft one if you are not able to do so yourself. It is common to be charged in accordance with the scope of your estate and the kind of services you ask from solicitors.
Additional Legal Services (e.g., Trusts or Executors)
If your estate involves having trusts or multiple executors, there will be extra costs involved as well. These services tend to require better planning and legal documentation. This increases the overall cost to make a will when using the services of a solicitor. For instance, trusts need proper legal papers in order to effect the transition of property to beneficiaries.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in the UK?
The cost of a will in the UK can differ from some tens of pounds to several hundreds of pounds. Let’s break it down a little more.
Average Costs for Different Types of Wills
| Type of Will | Cost |
| Single Will | £75 to £ 225 for a basic will that covers the easy type of estates. |
| Mirror Will | £200 to £400 for the couples who want the similar provisions of their wills. |
| Complex Will | The price of making a will that has complexities may vary between £300 and £500 for special estates that may need special instructions or for estates that involve trusts. |
Also, the cost of making a will with a solicitor increases based on instructions you may want to give in addition to the basic ones. For example, if you would like to provide for minor children or leave a portion of your property to charity, this will raise the expense.
Benefits of using a solicitor include:
Professional Advice: Solicitors provide personalised advice according to a client’s circumstances and particular requirements, such as taxation or probate issues. They assist in developing a broad will that is acceptable to you and which minimises risks both to you and your beneficiaries.
Legal Accuracy: Solicitors make sure your will is legal by adhering to UK laws and signing and witnessing properly. This accuracy is still important despite the relatively flexible nature of partitioning large estates or asset divisions.
Personalised Support: Solicitors offer individual consultation for complex cases such as step families or when someone is a guardian of a child. They assist in making your intention well understood by all the beneficiaries who are likely to fall out with each other over the issue.
Do you want to understand how to make a will in the UK? Here’s a guide for you: Making a Will in the UK in 2024 – A useful guide
Online Will Writing Services vs. Solicitors
Will writers are cheaper, which makes them accessible today as we see more and more people seeking will-writing services online. The simplest way you can write for yourself will cost you as little as £20 to £100, depending on the service provider.
However, performing such services online is usually accompanied by numerous restrictions with regard to legislation, and individual consultations with a solicitor are lacking. If you have a simple estate and consider the legal formalities to be clear, then online wills can prove to be affordable.
Nonetheless, you could also use online platforms like Lawyersorted to find experienced solicitors for your case.
Free or Low-Cost Will Writing Options
There are some organisations that provide free or a low cost services. Some firms also have the Free Will Writing Month. Here solicitors offer to make a will and prepare other legal documents for free with a view of being compensated by a donation or some form of bequest. Although these services can be effective for basic wills, one must be sure that they sufficiently meet the needs of their estate.
Is It Worth Paying for a Will?
Deciding whether to pay for a professional will depend on the complexity and your personal preferences. While online wills can save money, they often lack the legal precision and tailored guidance that a professional service provides. Investing in a professionally drafted will ensure your final wishes are clear, legally binding, and less likely to be challenged or misunderstood.
Benefits of Professional Will Writing
Here are the benefits of hiring a professional to draft your will:
Legal Compliance: Experts make sure that your will complies with the legal necessities of the United Kingdom.
Customisation: They can modify it depending on some family or financial issues that may be prevailing at that certain time.
Reduced Risk of Errors: Errors in a will can create confusion or conflict; it can take time to secure an inheritance or gift or it can trigger unpredicted complexities.
Risks of DIY Wills and Online Services
When it comes to writing a will yourself, there are always dangers involved, particularly when the wrong procedures are followed. Certain mistakes could be: not allowing seeing the will properly, the use of ambiguous words or not attending to specific provisions where the deceased had a compound estate.
In the same way, you can get cheap online services, but in return, you lose many recommendations that may cause certain problems. For people who have a complex estate or family situation, it is advisable to seek help from the will solicitor.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Solicitors for You
Selecting the proper solicitor or professional will writer should be done to warrant the validity and compatibility of a will with the client’s intentions. Here’s why it matters:
Legal Compliance: Several solicitors note that the legal formalities involved are very complicated. Only an experienced person can avoid some mistakes that would render your will worthless.
Personalised Advice: A good solicitor is also one who can give advice on matters affecting families or certain financial circumstances.
Avoiding Disputes: This is why having a professionally drafted will minimise the likelihood of disputes or misunderstandings among the beneficiaries.
Clear Communication: Choosing the right solicitor guarantees that you understand the entire process you are going through and get help when handling various tasks.
FAQs About Wills in the UK
What Is the Average Cost of a Will in the UK?
The cost to make a will continues to vary depending on different factors. In the UK, a simple will costs between £75 and £225 when drafted by a solicitor.
However, if your estate is large or you need more of the other services, the will costs may range from £500 to as much as you are willing to pay. These prices depend on the place of living and the degree of difficulty of the will.
Is It Cheaper to Write a Will Online?
Indeed, services that offer writing services online are relatively cheaper. The average cost of a will starts from £20 and goes up to £100. Although these services are affordable, they will not come with a professional legal consultation that a solicitor would provide you. In complicated wills, seeking the services of a Solicitor will provide greater legal certainty.
Can I change my will after it’s written?
You can also amend your will after it has been prepared by adding a codicil or drafting an entirely new will. A codicil is a document that provides amendments that aren’t significant, while a new will is a completely different document. You must keep in mind that any changes made must be legally sound in order to prevent any issues.
How much does it cost to change a will?
The cost to change a will depends on whether it is adding a codicil or writing a fresh one. Appending a codicil would cost anywhere between £20 and £100. Drawing a new will could attract a fee of between £150 and £500, depending on who the solicitor is and how complex the changes are.
Are there any free will writing options in the UK?
Yes, many charities offer a free will writing service in the United Kingdom because it is the place they fundraise. In return, they may recommend that you leave a donation in your will. There are some promotions from legal firms, and some online platforms can offer a simple will at little or no charges at all.
Can I make a will without a solicitor?
Yes, it is possible to write a will without the help of a solicitor, but it is not without its dangers. Preparing your will on your own or using a simple online form may cost less at first, but mistakes or ambiguous wording can cost you in the future. It is recommended to consult a will solicitor, especially if your estate is complicated.
What happens if I die without a will in the UK?
In the UK, if you pass away without making a will , your property will be divided as per the laws of intestacy. This means your assets are distributed among your relatives in some certain order you may not wish when you are gone. To prevent this, it is necessary to have a legal will.
