How much does a will cost in the UK? - My Local Will Writer
If you are comparing will writing costs, that range can feel a bit all over the place. One provider says £9. Another says £250. Then you see free will schemes and wonder what the catch is. The truth is that each option suits a different kind of person. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay across every main route, what is usually included, and how to work out which option makes most sense for you.
Will Writing Prices at a Glance
| Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| High-street solicitor | £150 to £300 (single will), £250 to £500 (mirror wills) |
| Online will, solicitor-checked. | £50 to £90 |
| Online will service, basic | £30 to £60 |
| DIY will kit or template | £10 to £30 |
| Free Wills Month | Free (usually 55+, simple wills, March/Oct) |
| Octopus Legacy | Free (all ages, Feb to Mar / Sept to Oct) |
| Charity free will schemes | Free (varies by charity and eligibility) |
What Does a Solicitor Charge for a Will?
If you want the traditional route, solicitor will writing costs typically fall between £150 and £300 for a simple single will. In many parts of the UK, around £200 is a common fixed fee for a straightforward will where your wishes are clear and your estate is uncomplicated. London and south-east firms tend to charge more.
For couples, mirror wills usually cost between £250 and £500 for the pair. Some firms offer a discounted combined price. Others charge per person, so it is worth checking exactly what is included before you agree to anything.
Once things get more involved, the price rises. If you have a blended family, own a business, hold overseas property, want to set up trusts, or need more detailed inheritance planning, costs can reach £500, £750, or well over £1,000. That is where you are paying for legal advice rather than just document preparation.
Most firms now work on fixed fees for straightforward wills, which is generally better for clients because you know the cost upfront. If a solicitor quotes an hourly rate, ask whether a fixed-fee alternative is available. That one question can save a lot of uncertainty.
It is also worth checking what extras might be charged separately. Storage fees run from around £20 to £50 a year, though some firms include it. Registration with the National Will Register costs around £40. Future changes, such as a formal codicil, are often charged separately at £75 to £150.
None of that makes a solicitor bad value. If your affairs are more complex, or you want tailored legal advice and the strongest protection against mistakes, this is the premium option for a reason.
How Much Does an Online Will Cost?
Online will services are usually much cheaper than solicitors. For a simple will, online will costs in the UK typically fall somewhere between £30 and £90. At the lower end you will usually find a basic form and document generation service. At the higher end you are more likely to get a solicitor review, more guidance through the process, and digital storage.
That middle ground is where online will writing becomes particularly appealing. You are not paying high-street solicitor will writing fees, but you are getting more support than a DIY template gives you. My Local Will Writer starts from £59 for a simple will, with a solicitor review included as standard.
Mirror wills for couples are often available at a reduced combined price, which can make online services even better value for two people sorting their affairs at the same time.
What online services generally do not cover is deep estate planning advice. If your situation involves trusts, business assets, children from previous relationships, or anything that needs tailored legal input, a solicitor may still be the more appropriate route.
For many people, though, online will writing hits the sweet spot. It is faster than a traditional solicitor appointment, more affordable for a straightforward will, and considerably less risky than doing it entirely yourself.
Can You Write a Will Yourself?
Yes, you can write a will yourself in the UK. Will kits and templates are available from stationers and online, and in pure cost terms it is the cheapest option by a margin. Most DIY kits cost between £10 and £30, and some templates are free.
The problem is not usually the price. It is what happens later.
A DIY will can be legally valid, but only if it is drafted correctly and signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign it. Many people do not realise how easy it is to get those details wrong. A witness can be invalid. A clause can be ambiguous. Something important can be left out entirely. These are the wills most likely to be challenged or fail.
That does not mean every DIY will causes problems. Plenty work exactly as intended. But if you are relying on a template, you are also relying on yourself to spot whether it actually fits your circumstances. A will is only really tested when someone dies, which is not the ideal moment for those you leave behind to discover something was not quite right.
Free Will Writing: What Are Your Options?
There are genuine ways to make a will for free in the UK, but they usually come with conditions.
Free Wills Month runs in March and October, is open to people aged 55 and over, and connects you with a network of solicitors who will write a simple will at no charge. Availability depends on participating solicitors in your area, and appointments can go quickly. Find a Free Wills Month solicitor near you.
Octopus Legacy runs campaigns in February to March and September to October, is open to all ages, and works entirely online through a network of over 150 charities. The National Free Wills Network operates year-round and connects users with local solicitors, though it is typically linked to charity supporters or age-based eligibility.
Several charities also run their own free will schemes. Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, and the Stroke Association are among those offering free will writing, with varying eligibility and availability throughout the year. Co-op Legal Services also offers a free basic online will for simple estates.
The key thing to understand is that free does not always mean unrestricted. Some schemes run only during certain months. Most cover simple wills only. Some are tied to a suggested charitable gift, though that is never an obligation. And availability is not guaranteed. If you qualify and your situation is simple, a free scheme is a perfectly legitimate option, but it is not always available exactly when you need it.
What Affects the Cost of Making a Will?
The price of a will comes down to one question: how straightforward is your situation?
Complexity is the biggest factor. Trusts, business interests, overseas property, inheritance tax planning, or children from different relationships all push the cost up. This is where the difference between a £200 will and a £1,000 will usually comes from. Location matters too: solicitors in London and the south-east often charge 20 to 40% more than regional firms for comparable work.
Whether you need a single will or mirror wills also affects the total. A pair of mirror wills costs more than one will, but considerably less than two separately written wills. If you and your partner both need wills, asking about a combined rate is worth doing.
Provider type is the clearest cost driver of all. Solicitors are the most expensive option, online services sit in the middle, and DIY is the cheapest. That hierarchy also broadly reflects the level of guidance and protection at each level. Beyond the headline price, extras such as storage, National Will Register enrolment, lasting powers of attorney bundling, and future updates can all add to the total. Ask what is included in the base price before you commit.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If your estate is straightforward, your wishes are clear, and you are comfortable handling things online, an online solicitor-checked service is usually the most practical choice. My Local Will Writer keeps the cost of making a will sensible without leaving you entirely on your own.
If your estate involves trusts, business assets, overseas property, or a more complex family setup, a solicitor is worth the extra cost. The tailored legal advice and stronger protection are genuinely valuable when the stakes are higher.
The cost of a will in the UK ranges from nothing to over a thousand pounds, but for most people the realistic range is much narrower. A simple will usually falls somewhere between £50 and £300. What matters is not just the price but whether the option fits your circumstances, and that you actually get it done. Start your will online today.
FAQ
How much does a simple will cost in the UK?
A simple will usually costs around £150 to £300 with a solicitor, or £50 to £90 through a solicitor-checked online service. Free options are available through charity-backed schemes if you meet the eligibility criteria.
How much do solicitors charge for a will?
Most solicitors charge a fixed fee of £150 to £300 for a single simple will. Mirror wills for couples typically cost £250 to £500. Complex wills involving trusts or business assets can cost considerably more.
Can I write a will for free?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Free Wills Month runs in March and October for people aged 55 and over. Octopus Legacy runs free campaigns open to all ages. Various charities also offer free will writing year-round. All free schemes are designed for simple wills and come with eligibility conditions.
Is an online will legally valid?
Yes, provided it is correctly completed, signed, and witnessed. A solicitor-checked online will carries the same legal standing as one prepared by a solicitor in person. The signing process must follow the legal requirements, with two independent witnesses present at the same time as you sign.
How much do mirror wills cost?
Mirror wills for couples typically cost £250 to £500 with a solicitor. Online services often offer a reduced combined rate.
What is the cheapest way to make a will?
A free scheme is the cheapest option if you qualify. For those who do not, an online will service offers the most affordable route with professional oversight, typically £50 to £90 for a solicitor-checked will.