WILLS AND PROBATE
Cost of Making a Will UK
The cost of making a will in the UK ranges from free to over £500 depending on complexity. This guide covers solicitor fees, online will services, and what free will-writing schemes are available.
TL;DR
- A basic single will from a solicitor typically costs £150 to £300; mirror wills for couples £250 to £500
- Online will services offer basic wills from £30 to £100
- Free will-writing schemes are available through charities including Will Aid (November) and Cancer Research UK
- Complex wills involving trusts, business assets or overseas property cost significantly more
- The Solicitors Regulation Authority regulates solicitor-drafted wills; online services vary in regulatory status
Last reviewed: June 2026
How Much Does a Solicitor-Drafted Will Cost
A basic single will drafted by a solicitor in England and Wales typically costs between £150 and £300 plus VAT. Mirror wills for couples -- two separate wills with reciprocal provisions -- typically cost between £250 and £500 plus VAT for the pair. These are indicative figures; fees vary significantly by region, firm size and complexity.
Solicitors are required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to provide transparent pricing information. The SRA's transparency rules require solicitors offering will-writing services to publish indicative costs on their website. This allows comparison before instructing.
Factors That Increase Will Costs
Simple wills leaving everything to a spouse and then to children are at the lower end of the cost range. Complexity that increases cost includes: testamentary trusts for minor children or vulnerable beneficiaries, business property and agricultural property, overseas assets requiring consideration of foreign succession law, inheritance tax planning provisions, and disputes about testamentary capacity requiring medical evidence.
Online Will Services
A number of online will-writing services operate in England and Wales, offering basic wills at lower cost than solicitor services, typically between £30 and £100. Online services guide users through a questionnaire and generate a will document for execution. The quality and regulatory oversight of online services varies. Some are operated by regulated solicitors; others are not regulated by the SRA or any professional body.
The Law Society has noted that will-writing is not a reserved legal activity in England and Wales -- anyone can offer to write a will without being a solicitor. Online will services not operated by solicitors are not subject to SRA oversight. This does not make their products invalid but means there is less regulatory recourse if something goes wrong.
Free Will Writing Schemes
Several schemes allow people to have a basic will drafted for free. Will Aid runs in November each year: participating solicitors waive their fee and clients make a voluntary donation to nine charities. The scheme is suitable for straightforward wills. Cancer Research UK, Age UK and other charities also operate free will-writing schemes throughout the year, typically in exchange for considering a charitable legacy.
Storage and Safekeeping Costs
HM Courts and Tribunals Service operates a will deposit scheme allowing wills to be deposited with the Probate Registry for a fee. Solicitors typically offer to store original wills, sometimes for free as a client retention tool. Banks and will storage services also offer secure storage. The location of the original will should be recorded and communicated to the executor.
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Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or insurance advice. Kaeltripton is an independent editorial publisher, not regulated by the FCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basic will cost in the UK?
A basic single will from a solicitor costs approximately £150 to £300 plus VAT in England and Wales. Online will services offer basic wills from around £30 to £100. Free will-writing schemes are available through charity partnerships, most notably Will Aid in November.
Is it cheaper to write your own will?
Writing your own will has no direct cost but carries the risk of invalid execution or ambiguous drafting that can result in expensive probate disputes. A professionally drafted will reduces this risk. The Law Society recommends professional assistance for anything other than the simplest estates.
Are online wills legally valid?
Yes, an online will is legally valid provided it meets the requirements of the Wills Act 1837 -- in writing, signed by the testator, witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. The legal validity depends on correct execution, not on who drafted it.
What is Will Aid?
Will Aid is a scheme running each November in which participating solicitors waive their fee for writing a basic will. Clients make a voluntary donation to nine Will Aid charities instead of paying a fee. It is suitable for straightforward wills and is operated in partnership with regulated solicitors.
