Will-writing services are a middle ground between DIY wills and solicitors. They cost less than solicitors but offer more guidance than writing a will yourself.
What’s in this guide
- How do will-writing services work?
- Should I use a will-writing service?
- Pros and cons of will-writing services
- Will-writing services: What to watch out for
- Using a will-writing service: Before you start
- Will-writing services in the UK
- What to do if things go wrong if you’ve used a will-writing service
How do will-writing services work?
Will-writing services work in three ways:
- Online – you answer questions on a website and receive a draft of your will by post or email.
- By post – you complete forms and send them back for processing.
- Face-to-face – a will writer visits to discuss your circumstances.
This is also a good time to think about:
writing a letter of wishesOpens in a new window to give additional guidance to your executors (the people who will carry out the instructions in your will) about your preferences
setting up a power of attorney, so someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so in the future
nominating someone to receive your pension, as pensions are not usually covered by your will.
Many will writers can help you with these documents at the same time, which may save you time and money.
If you choose a face-to-face service
A will writer will usually make an appointment to see you at home.
They’ll talk to you about your family and personal circumstances, including:
- your assets (your money, property and belongings)
- who you would like to benefit from your will (called beneficiaries), how much they should receive, and any specific gifts or charitable donation
- who you would like your executors to be. Your executors will carry out the instructions in your will by collecting your assets, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing them among the beneficiaries.
When they understand what you want, they’ll draft your will for you.
If you choose an online service
With an online service, you visit a website to answer questions about your will.
When you’ve finished, the service sends you a draft of your will by post or email for you and your witnesses to sign.
Some online services have a telephone helpline to answer any questions you may have, and some will let you speak to a specialist will writer before you start.
Should I use a will-writing service?
A will-writing service may be suitable for you if:
- you understand the basics of wills but want help getting it right
- your will is going to be quite simple, for example, if you’re leaving everything to your spouse or immediate family, and you don’t have complicated assets or family circumstances
- you want to pay lower fees.
When to use a solicitor to write a will
It’s worth considering using a solicitor to make sure your will does what you want if:
you have children from a previous relationship
you're divorced, separated or cohabiting
you run a business
your family includes step-children or children from different relationships
you want to set up trusts
you own property abroad
your assets are worth more than the Inheritance Tax threshold
any of your beneficiaries are vulnerable or receiving means-tested benefits
you live with someone who isn't your spouse or civil partner.
Taking time to choose the right will-writing option for your circumstances will give you peace of mind that your wishes will be followed after you die. Find out more in our guide How to write a will and how much will it cost?
Pros and cons of will-writing services
Pros
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Usually cheaper than solicitors (typically £50-£350).
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Online services let you work at your own pace.
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Face-to-face services come to your home at a convenient time.
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Wide choice of providers.
Cons
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Not always regulated – will writers aren't regulated in the same way as solicitors, giving you less protection if something goes wrong.
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Variable qualifications – the person writing your will might not have legal qualifications, although some services have solicitors check their work.
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Limited complaints options – professional body membership is voluntary, so your options for complaints are more limited than with solicitors.
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Storage may be less secure – not all will-writing services offer the same secure storage options as solicitors.
Will-writing services: What to watch out for
Before choosing a will-writing service, it's important to check they’re trustworthy and transparent.
Here are some warning signs that might raise concerns during initial contact:
- lack of clear information about fees upfront
- refusal to provide written terms and conditions
- reluctance to answer questions about their regulation or qualifications
- insisting they must be named as your executor
- aggressive selling of extra services like will storage or subscriptions
- staying longer than agreed during home visits, or making you feel pressured.
It’s important to check the terms and conditions carefully. A service may not be trustworthy if they:
- charge fees you haven't agreed to, or change prices without your agreement
- unfairly limit how much compensation they'll pay if something goes wrong (for example, only covering the cost of writing the will when mistakes could cost much more)
- claim to have legal experts but say in the small print they don't provide legal advice
- automatically sign you up for services you don't want (look for pre-ticked boxes)
- offer subscription services without being clear about auto-renewal, charges or how to cancel.
If you feel uncomfortable at any point during a home visit, you can end the appointment and ask the person to leave.
Verify their regulation
If a business appears on a regulator's website, check whether the whole firm is regulated or just some of their staff. For solicitors, you can look for a green tickOpens in a new window on the Solicitors Regulation Authority register.
If something doesn't feel right, shop around for another service. Contact Citizens Advice for supportOpens in a new window
Using a will-writing service: Before you start
Shop around and compare at least three different will-writing services if you can. The cheapest option may not always be the best fit for your needs.
Make sure you understand how charges are calculated. Ask:
- if it's a one-off fee, what's included and what costs extra?
- if they charge by the hour, is there a limit on the total cost?
- what will you pay in total?
It's against the law for businesses to advertise one price and then add non-optional fees later. Keep a screenshot, download or printed copy of the service details and price you've been quoted, in case you need it later.
Consider paying by credit card, as this gives you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong.
Most will-writing services are not regulated by law, although some are members of professional bodies. This membership is voluntary, and your options for making complaints are more limited than if you used a solicitor.
Always choose a will-writing service that:
- belongs to a recognised professional body (listed below)
- has at least £2 million professional indemnity insurance, which means you could get compensation if things go wrong
- follows a code of practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute.
Members of these organisations must complete regular training, have insurance to cover legal costs if your will is challenged, and follow approved professional standards.
Recognised professional bodies
If you use a will-writing service, choose one that's a member of:
Other things to consider
Ask about storage options and make sure your executors know where your will is kept.
Be cautious about annual fees for making changes to your will. Many people don't need to update their will regularly, so this may not be good value. Major life changes that need an update might also require a completely new will or more complex advice that a simple will-writing service can't provide.
If there's any question about your mental capacity when making your will, consider getting a letter from your doctor or having a solicitor present when you sign it.
Will-writing services in the UK
Did you know?
Some banks offer a will-writing service – ask yours if they can help. But make sure you check that you can choose your own executor as some banks charge high fees for this.
These comparison websites can help you find will-writing services:
Free will schemes across the UK if you're aged 55 or over
Many charities run free will-writing campaigns at certain times of year, such as Free Wills Month in March and October, and Will Aid in November.
These campaigns connect you with participating solicitors who will write simple or basic wills for free, though you're asked to make a voluntary donation to charity.
Charities offering free will-writing campaigns include:
What to do if things go wrong if you’ve used a will-writing service
If you're not happy with the will-writing service you’ve used, start by contacting the company directly and asking them to put things right. As a paying customer, you have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
If the will writer is a regulated solicitor and you're not happy with their response, you can complain to the:
Legal OmbudsmanOpens in a new window (England and Wales)
Law Society of Northern IrelandOpens in a new window (Northern Ireland)
If the will writer belongs to a membership body, that organisation may have a complaints process, though these bodies have limited powers compared to legal regulators.
You can check with organisations like:
If the company wasn't a member of any professional body or regulated as a lawyer, your only option may be to take legal action through the courts. Get independent legal advice if you're considering this.
Remember, that problems with wills are often only discovered after someone has died, which can make them harder to resolve. This is why it's important to choose a reputable service from the start.
