Understanding Will writing costs in the UK
- Abir Divanizadeh
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
Uncertainty about cost often delays will writing. In practice, the expense is usually more predictable than expected - and often modest compared to the consequences of getting it wrong.
Why cost becomes a sticking point
Writing a will is rarely avoided because it is unimportant. It is avoided because it feels like something that can wait.
Cost plays can play a significant role in that hesitation. There is often a vague concern that it will be expensive, complicated, or open-ended.
In reality, the position is usually the opposite. For most people, will writing is a contained, one-off cost. The greater financial risk tends to arise later - where a will is unclear, invalid, or never made at all.
Understanding what drives the cost brings the decision back into proportion.
What actually determines the cost of a will
There is no single price for will writing in the UK. Fees reflect the level of thought and responsibility required, rather than simply the time spent drafting.
Complexity shapes everything
The most important factor is complexity.
A will that leaves everything to a spouse, and then to children, is generally straightforward. It can be prepared efficiently and at relatively low cost.
The position changes where life is less linear.
For example:
second marriages or blended families
business ownership
multiple properties
assets held abroad
concerns about protecting younger or vulnerable beneficiaries
In these situations, the will is not just recording wishes. It is structuring them carefully so they work in practice. That is where time - and cost - increases.
How the will is prepared
There are broadly three routes:
online templates
unregulated will writers
solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Online options are inexpensive and quick, but they rely heavily on the user identifying issues correctly.
Solicitors tend to charge more, but the cost reflects something different: responsibility for getting it right, and the ability to anticipate problems before they arise.
Provider and pricing approach
Some firms offer fixed fees, while others charge based on time.
Fixed fees are increasingly common and often preferable, as they give clarity from the outset. The key is understanding what is included - particularly whether advice, revisions, and execution guidance form part of the price.
Additional elements
Costs may increase if additional services are included, such as:
secure storage of the will
periodic reviews
wider estate or succession planning
These are not always necessary, but they can be valuable depending on circumstances.
Typical will writing costs in England and Wales
The following figures provide a general guide.
Simple wills
£150 to £300
Suitable for straightforward estates with clear beneficiaries
Usually includes advice, drafting, and signing guidance
More complex wills
£300 to £1,000 or more
Reflects additional work where there are trusts, business interests, or more intricate family arrangements
Involves more detailed structuring and legal input
Online will services
£30 to £100
Designed for very simple situations
Limited or no personalised advice
Other costs to be aware of
storage fees (sometimes included, sometimes separate)
future amendments
probate costs later on, which are entirely separate from will drafting
These figures are indicative. A tailored quote is usually straightforward to obtain and often more reassuring than expected.
Is a solicitor necessary?
A will does not have to be prepared by a solicitor to be legally valid. The requirements are set out in the Wills Act 1837.
However, validity is only one part of the picture. The more important question is whether the will works as intended.
Situations where advice is usually worthwhile
where there is any complexity in assets or family structure
where there is a risk of disagreement
where tax or long-term planning is relevant
where there is a desire to avoid uncertainty later
In these cases, the cost of professional input is often modest compared to the problems it prevents.
Situations where a simpler approach may be enough
genuinely straightforward estates
clear, uncomplicated beneficiary arrangements
a willingness to accept some degree of risk
Even then, careful attention is required. Common issues arise not just in drafting, but in execution — for example, incorrect witnessing.
Keeping costs proportionate
It is entirely reasonable to approach will writing with cost in mind. The aim is not to minimise cost at all costs, but to ensure that it reflects what is actually needed.
Be prepared
Having a clear outline of assets, beneficiaries, and intentions makes discussions more efficient and reduces unnecessary time.
Ask for clarity upfront
A clear explanation of fees avoids uncertainty. Fixed-fee arrangements are often helpful for this reason.
Keep the structure purposeful
Complexity should only be introduced where it serves a clear function. Over-engineering a will rarely adds value.
Review when it matters
A will does not need constant revision, but it should be revisited when circumstances change - for example, marriage, separation, or significant changes in assets.
A more useful way to think about cost
The cost of writing a will is often viewed in isolation. A more useful perspective is to consider what it replaces.
Without a clear will, estates are dealt with under the rules of intestacy. These rules are fixed and do not adapt to personal circumstances.
That can lead to outcomes that are technically correct, but practically misaligned with what was intended.
Against that backdrop, the cost of a properly prepared will is usually modest.
Discussing your situation
The appropriate approach to will writing depends on the shape of the estate and the priorities involved. Some situations benefit from a simple, direct structure. Others require more careful planning to ensure that outcomes are clear and workable.
Eddison Cogan Lawyers advise on wills and estate structure with a focus on clarity, proportion, and practical effect.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a will cost in the UK?
Typically between £150 and £300 for a straightforward will, and £300 to £1,000 or more where there is additional complexity.
Are online wills reliable?
They can be effective in simple cases, but they rely on the user identifying potential issues correctly. Where complexity exists, the risk of error increases.
Can a will be changed later?
Yes. A will can be updated or replaced as circumstances change.
What happens without a will?
The estate is distributed under intestacy rules, which may not reflect personal wishes.
About the author
Abir Divanizadeh, Lawyer, Eddison Cogan Lawyers
Abir advises on private client matters, including wills and estate structuring. His approach focuses on clarity, careful drafting, and ensuring that legal arrangements operate as intended in practice.
The following note is included for clarity and completeness.
This article is intended as general information only and reflects the law in England and Wales at the time of writing. It does not constitute legal advice. Legal outcomes depend on individual circumstances, and specific advice should be sought before taking or refraining from action. Reading this article does not create a solicitor-client relationship with Eddison Cogan Lawyers.
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