Key facts (2026): A simple single will costs £150–£400 from a high-street solicitor in the UK. Mirror wills for couples cost £200–£500 for the pair. Online will services charge £30–£100. DIY will kits are available but carry significant risks if not executed correctly.
Making a will is one of the most important financial planning steps you can take, yet nearly half of UK adults die without one. The cost is modest relative to the importance — and the consequences of dying intestate (without a will) can be severe for unmarried partners and families in non-standard situations.
Solicitor Will Costs 2026
A solicitor-drafted single simple will typically costs £150–£400 depending on location and firm. Mirror wills — identical wills for a couple leaving everything to each other — cost £200–£500 for the pair. More complex wills involving trusts, business assets, or complex family arrangements cost significantly more. Under SRA rules, solicitors must publish their will-writing prices online.
Online Will Services
Online will services such as Farewill, Kwil, and Which? Will offer simple wills from £30–£100. These are suitable for straightforward situations — married couples with children, clear beneficiaries, and no complex assets. Most provide a legally valid will if completed correctly and executed (signed and witnessed) properly.
When Do You Need a Solicitor?
You should always use a solicitor for: wills involving trusts; estates with business assets or significant investments; blended families with children from previous relationships; anyone domiciled outside the UK; property owned abroad; and situations where you want to minimise IHT. A DIY or online will for a complex situation can cost far more than solicitor fees if it is later challenged or found invalid.
DIY Will Kits — The Risks
DIY will kits are available from stationers and online for under £20. They are legally valid if completed and executed correctly, but the execution requirements are strict: the will must be signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign. Any error in execution renders the will invalid. For most people, the small cost of a professional service is worth the certainty.
Our Verdict
The cost of a will is trivial relative to the value of most estates and the consequences of dying without one. For simple situations, an online service at £30–£100 is entirely adequate. For anything involving trusts, complex family situations, or significant assets, a solicitor is worth every penny. Never use a DIY kit without fully understanding the execution requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a will cost UK 2026?
A simple solicitor will costs £150–£400. Online will services charge £30–£100. DIY kits are available for under £20 but carry execution risks.
Can I write my own will UK?
Yes — a handwritten or DIY will is legally valid if correctly executed (signed by you in front of two independent witnesses who also sign). However, any error in execution invalidates it.
What happens if I die without a will UK?
Your estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes — particularly for unmarried partners who have no automatic inheritance rights.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources such as gov.uk or qualified professionals before making decisions.
Last updated: April 2026 · Author: Chandraketu Tripathi
