How Much Does Writing a Will Cost in the UK?

We all know that writing a will is necessary – it’s the best way to allocate our estate, choose an executor, make any requests for funeral arrangements and leave something for our loved ones.

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With a worryingly low number of adults in the UK making a will, many people are likely to be concerned not only about the money they leave behind, but also the money they may need to spend.

So, how much does making a will cost?

It depends on the complexity of your estate, whether you have stocks and shares, whether you need a trust, and many other factors. In many cases, a simple will can cost a couple of hundred pounds, but the more complicated your finances are, the more work your solicitor will need to do to make sure your will is right for your beneficiaries.

How much does will writing cost?

Simple wills can cost around £150 if you do not have any complicated assets or requests. These can be cheaper if you write the will yourself or use a will-writing service, but it is always important to check the will is legally valid and that all the correct paperwork has been completed. If you are under 50, do not have a particularly large estate, and do not have children from previous marriages, a simple will may be your best option.
Complex wills are often suitable if you have a larger estate, want to leave money in a trust, or own a business. Your solicitor may need to put rules in place to delay inheritance for minors or deal with inheritance tax issues. A complex will can cost around £200 to £400.
Joint wills are treated as a single document. They are made together by a married couple and are designed to ensure that the surviving spouse inherits the deceased’s assets. There are legal implications with a joint will because it cannot usually be amended after one partner dies. This can cause difficulties if the surviving partner remarries and wants to leave something to their new spouse. A joint will can cost around £200 to £600.
Mirror wills are for married couples or civil partners who want broadly similar outcomes in their wills. The wills are drafted in matching terms so that if one partner dies, their estate passes to the other. You can still leave gifts to children, name guardians and executors, and include personal wishes for specific items or assets. Mirror wills are often favoured because they can help inheritance tax allowances pass to the surviving partner, reducing tax when the estate is later passed on to children. Mirror wills cost an average of £250 for both wills.

Do you need a solicitor for will writing?

It can be tempting to create your own will to save money, but the more complex your estate is, the easier it is to make mistakes.

It is not just a case of identifying your assets. If you are leaving money to children or a partner, or you have stocks, shares, or property that may need to go through probate, then using a qualified solicitor or experienced professional will writer is often the best option.

There are also other good reasons to use a solicitor or will writer.

Clarity so you can make sure your will says exactly what you want it to.
Less likely to be contested because if your will may be challenged by family members or because of concerns about mental capacity, your solicitor can help ensure it is legally valid and enforceable.
Fewer errors because writing a will yourself can leave room for mistakes that may be exploited or simply ignored.
Legally binding because there are specific requirements that must be met, and a solicitor can make sure they are properly followed.
Complexity because when it comes to trusts, large assets, and more complicated arrangements, it is usually better to have a solicitor handle the drafting.

For more information, see our guide, Writing your will: Should you do it yourself, use a solicitor or a will-writing service?

What about inheritance tax?

One of the main reasons to use a solicitor when writing a will is to plan ahead for inheritance tax. For estates worth more than £325,000, inheritance tax may be charged at 40%. If you do not leave a will, the inheritance tax position may be less efficient because of the rules of intestacy.

Using a solicitor to write your will means they can advise you on how much to leave to your spouse, whether to set up trusts or charitable donations, and other steps that could reduce the amount of your estate lost to inheritance tax.

Inheritance tax at a glance infographic from The Law Superstore

With will writing, as with many other legal services, it can be tempting to look for the cheapest option. But a will is about safeguarding your future, and it is usually best entrusted to a professional.

Whether you are concerned about leaving a trust for your children, understanding how your property may affect inheritance tax, or deciding how your business should be dealt with in your will, the best step is to speak to an experienced solicitor.

The money you invest now in writing a will can serve your family well in the future and help protect your legacy.