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Cheapest Way to Make a Will in the UK: All Options Compared (2026)

· 33 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Emma, 32, was quoted £680 by a local solicitor to write her will. As a new parent on maternity leave, she couldn't justify the expense—but she also couldn't ignore the anxiety of leaving her 6-month-old daughter unprotected. She spent weeks researching cheaper options: £15 DIY templates that terrified her with legal jargon, free charity schemes she didn't qualify for (age 55+), and online services ranging from £60 to £200.

Research from the Money and Pensions Service shows 56% of UK adults don't have a will, with cost cited as a major barrier. Yet the Wills Act 1837 doesn't care what you paid—a £10 template and a £680 solicitor will have identical legal validity if both meet the witnessing requirements.

This guide compares every option from £0 to £650+, showing you exactly where to save money and where corners can't be cut.

Table of Contents

The True Cost Spectrum: Free to £650+ (What You Actually Get)

The cheapest will in the UK costs £0. The most expensive can exceed £3,000. But price alone doesn't tell you what you're actually getting—or what risks you're taking.

A Which? survey in May 2025 found that people who used a solicitor paid an average of £328 for their will. Yet legally, that £328 will has no higher standing than a £10 template from WHSmith—if both meet the Wills Act 1837 Section 9 requirements.

The difference isn't legal validity. It's risk.

Method Cost Best For Legal Validity Risk Level
Free charity schemes £0 Simple estates, age 55+ Equal Low (professional draft)
DIY templates £10-£30 Confident legal users Equal High (no guidance)
Online services £60-£200 Most people Equal Low (guided process)
Telephone services £240-£380 Need verbal guidance Equal Low (human support)
High street solicitors £150-£500 Complex families Equal Very low (bespoke advice)
Specialist solicitors £500-£1,000+ Tax planning, trusts Equal Very low (expert advice)

According to the Money and Pensions Service, 56% of UK adults have no will at all. Among those aged 50-64—people approaching retirement—53% still haven't written one. Cost is consistently cited as a primary barrier.

Here's what most people don't realize: under UK law, a will is valid if it's signed by you and witnessed by two independent adults who aren't beneficiaries. That's it. Price doesn't appear in the legal requirements. A handwritten note on lined paper costs £0 and has the same legal standing as a £1,000 solicitor-drafted document—provided both are properly executed.

So why does anyone pay hundreds of pounds?

Because getting the execution right is harder than it sounds. DIY wills fail at alarming rates due to:

  • Beneficiaries acting as witnesses (invalidates their gift)
  • Ambiguous language creating probate disputes
  • Missing residuary clauses causing partial intestacy
  • Improper revocation of previous wills
  • Lack of testamentary capacity evidence

The "cheapest" option isn't the one with the lowest upfront price. It's the one that protects your family without leaving them vulnerable to costly errors.

Option 1: Free Charity Will Schemes (£0 with Conditions)

Three major schemes let you write a will for genuinely £0—no hidden fees, no catch beyond eligibility restrictions.

Free Wills Month (March & October)

Free Wills Month runs twice a year, giving anyone aged 55 or older the chance to have a simple will written or updated for free.

How it works:

Participating charities pay solicitors to write basic wills in March and October. You book an appointment with a participating solicitor, discuss your wishes, and receive a professionally drafted will—at no cost to you. There's no obligation to leave a gift to the charity, though it's encouraged.

Who's eligible:

  • Age 55 or older
  • Simple estates (generally under £325,000)
  • Straightforward wishes (no complex trusts or tax planning)

What's covered:

  • Single wills
  • Mirror wills for couples
  • Guardian appointments for children
  • Executor nominations
  • Basic asset distribution

What's not covered:

  • Complex tax planning
  • Business succession arrangements
  • Discretionary trusts
  • International property
  • Contentious family situations

Over 100 charities participate in Free Wills Month schemes. The solicitors are SRA-regulated professionals providing the same quality service as their paid work.

Will Aid (November)

Will Aid operates every November. Unlike Free Wills Month, it's open to all ages—but comes with a suggested donation.

Suggested donations:

  • £120 for a single basic will
  • £200 for mirror wills

The donation is voluntary. You can give less—or nothing at all—though most participants contribute the suggested amount. Partner charities include ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers, and Trócaire.

Coverage:

Basic wills only. If you need tax planning, business succession, or complex trusts, participating solicitors will quote you their standard fee for additional work.

National Free Wills Network (Year-Round)

The National Free Wills Network connects nearly 300 charities with solicitors willing to write free wills for known supporters. If you've donated to or supported a participating charity, you may qualify for a free will anytime during the year.

Participating charities include:

Alzheimer's Research UK, Amnesty International, Guide Dogs, Liberty, Oxfam, RNLI, Shelter, and Unicef, among many others.

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

David, 58, used Free Wills Month in October to write a simple will leaving his £240,000 estate to his wife and adult children. The appointment took 45 minutes. His solicitor sent a draft within a week, David signed it with two work colleagues as witnesses, and stored the original at home. Total cost: £0. He included a £2,000 gift to Age UK in his will as a thank you.

Pros:

  • Genuinely free for basic wills
  • SRA-regulated solicitors (same professional standards as paid work)
  • No obligation to leave charity gifts
  • Professional quality drafting

Cons:

  • Age restrictions (Free Wills Month requires 55+)
  • Timing restrictions (specific months for Free Wills Month and Will Aid)
  • Complexity limits (no advanced tax planning or complex trusts)
  • Limited availability (appointments fill quickly)

Legal validity:

Identical to paid solicitor wills. These are professional legal documents drafted by qualified solicitors.

Option 2: DIY Will Templates (£10-£30 + High Risk)

DIY will templates are the ultimate budget option—and the riskiest. They're legally valid if completed correctly, but "correctly" is where most people stumble.

Where to Get DIY Templates

Stationery shops:

WHSmith and Ryman sell printed will packs for £10-£20. These include template forms, instruction booklets, and guidance on witnessing requirements.

Online downloads:

Various websites offer downloadable templates for £10-£30. Some provide basic customization options, while others are static PDFs you fill in by hand.

Free templates:

Government guidance websites and some charities offer free template downloads. These come with zero liability if mistakes occur.

Handwritten wills:

Completely free. Just paper, pen, and your signature. Handwritten wills are legally valid under the Wills Act 1837 if properly witnessed.

For any will to be valid—whether DIY or solicitor-drafted—it must meet these requirements:

  • Be in writing (typed or handwritten)
  • Be signed by the testator (or someone on their behalf in their presence)
  • Be witnessed by two independent adults who are NOT beneficiaries or their spouses
  • Testator must be 18 or older and have testamentary capacity (understand what they're doing)

A DIY will that meets these requirements has the same legal standing as a £1,000 solicitor will.

Common Mistakes That Invalidate DIY Wills

Beneficiary as witness:

If your brother is a beneficiary and his wife witnesses your signature, your brother's gift becomes void under Section 15 of the Wills Act 1837. This is the most common DIY mistake.

Only one witness:

Both witnesses must be present when you sign. If you sign in front of one witness today and another tomorrow, the will is invalid.

Ambiguous language:

"My house to my daughter" when you own two properties. Which house? Probate disputes can cost thousands to resolve.

Misspelled names or wrong addresses:

"John Smith" instead of "Jonathan Smith" can delay probate for months while identity is verified.

Missing residuary clause:

You list specific gifts but forget to say what happens to the rest of your estate. Result: partial intestacy.

Not revoking previous wills:

You write a new will but don't explicitly revoke old ones. Family finds multiple conflicting wills after your death.

According to MoneyHelper guidance on DIY wills, the cheapest way to write a will is to do it yourself, but it's also the riskiest. Regulation for DIY templates isn't the same as for solicitors, so you have no protection if something goes wrong.

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

James, 42, bought a £15 WHSmith will pack. He named his brother as executor and asked his brother's wife to act as a witness. When James died unexpectedly, the gift to his brother was void because his wife had witnessed the will. His £80,000 estate passed under intestacy rules instead of his stated wishes.

When DIY Might Be Appropriate

Consider DIY templates only if:

  • Your wishes are extremely simple (everything to spouse, then children equally)
  • You have no dependents with special needs
  • You own no business assets, international property, or complex investments
  • Your estate is under £325,000 (the inheritance tax nil-rate band)
  • You're comfortable reading and understanding legal language
  • You can arrange proper witnessing (two independent adults who aren't beneficiaries)

Even then, the £15 saving compared to a £100 online service may not be worth the risk.

Pros:

  • Cheapest option (£10-£30 or free)
  • Immediate (no appointments or waiting)
  • Complete privacy
  • Control over every detail

Cons:

  • No legal guidance or advice
  • High error risk
  • No professional indemnity insurance
  • Template companies have zero liability for your mistakes
  • Higher chance of will being contested

Legal validity:

Valid if completed correctly—but there's no safety net if you get it wrong.

Option 3: Online Will Services (£60-£200 for Guided Creation)

Online will services occupy the sweet spot for most people: cheaper than solicitors, safer than DIY templates, and faster than booking appointments.

How Online Will Services Work

You answer a guided questionnaire covering your assets, beneficiaries, executors, and guardians. The platform generates a legally valid will based on your answers. You download it, print it, sign it with two witnesses, and store it safely.

The guidance reduces errors dramatically compared to blank DIY templates.

Service Comparison

Farewill (Market Leader):

  • Pricing: £100 single will, £160 couples
  • Discount codes available (30% off promotional codes reduce to £70/£112)
  • Updates: £10/year after first year free
  • Storage: Digital only
  • Trustpilot: 4.9/5 from over 13,000 reviews
  • Awards: National Will Writing Firm of the Year 2019-2022
  • Best for: Simple to moderate complexity

Which? Wills:

  • Pricing: £99-£169 single will, £156-£259 couples (varies by package)
  • Packages: Self-Service (£99), Expert Legal Review (£119), Premium (£169)
  • January 2025 promotional discount: 30% off (£72 with expert review)
  • Download expiry: 28 days to print and sign after creation
  • Trustpilot: 3.8/5 from 400+ reviews
  • Coverage: England, Wales, Northern Ireland (Scotland redirected to partner firm)

Co-op Legal Services:

  • Pricing: £149 single will, £249 mirror wills (promotional discounts available: £99/£185 via specific discount links)
  • Review: SRA-regulated solicitors draft or check all wills
  • Storage: Free fire-resistant storage for life
  • Options: Online questionnaire, phone appointment, or in-branch meeting
  • Professional indemnity insurance: Yes (SRA requirement)
  • Best for: Simple to moderate estates with solicitor oversight preference

WUHLD:

  • Pricing: £99.99 single will
  • Included: Will plus Testator Guide, Witness Guide, and Asset Inventory document
  • Preview: Free preview before paying (no credit card required)
  • Process: 15-minute guided online platform
  • Legal validity: Legally binding when properly executed and witnessed
  • Best for: Straightforward estates, UK law compliant

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Sarah, 35, used an online service to create her will in 15 minutes during her lunch break. She answered questions about her £180,000 flat, named guardians for her two children, and designated her sister as executor. The platform warned her when she initially selected a beneficiary's spouse as a witness—a mistake that would have invalidated that person's gift. She printed the will that evening, signed it with two work colleagues as witnesses (neither were beneficiaries), and stored it in her home safe. Total cost: £100.

When to Use Online Services:

  • Standard estates (residential property, savings, typical investments)
  • Married couples or single individuals with straightforward wishes
  • Families needing guardian appointments for children
  • Estates under £325,000 (no immediate inheritance tax concerns)
  • No business succession or complex trust requirements

Pros:

  • Affordable (£60-£200 vs £300-£500 for solicitors)
  • Guided process reduces error risk dramatically
  • Faster than booking solicitor appointments (complete in 15-30 minutes)
  • Privacy (no face-to-face meetings)
  • Preview options (WUHLD lets you see complete will before paying)

Cons:

  • Limited complexity handling (no bespoke tax planning strategies)
  • No face-to-face advice
  • Relies on you accurately answering questionnaire questions
  • May not identify edge cases in your situation

Legal validity:

Equal to solicitor wills if properly executed. The law doesn't distinguish between creation methods—only whether the final document meets the Wills Act 1837 requirements.

Option 4: Telephone Will Services (£240-£380 for Phone Support)

Telephone services bridge the gap between online-only platforms and in-person solicitors. You get human interaction and verbal guidance without paying full solicitor rates.

How Telephone Services Work

You have a phone consultation with a will specialist who asks about your circumstances and wishes. They draft your will based on the conversation and post it to you for signing. You sign with two witnesses and return copies or store the original yourself.

Farewill Telephone Service:

  • Pricing: £240 single will, £380 couples
  • Process: 45-60 minute phone consultation with will specialist
  • Document delivery: Posted within 5-7 working days
  • Best for: Those uncomfortable with online forms who need verbal guidance

Co-op Legal Services Phone Option:

  • Pricing: Included in standard £149/£249 pricing
  • Process: Complete initial online questionnaire, then schedule phone appointment
  • Follow-up: Will drafted after call and posted for signing
  • Additional support: Option for in-branch meetings at some locations

When Telephone Services Are Worth the Premium

Consider telephone support if:

  • You have moderate complexity (stepchildren, specific bequests, business assets below inheritance tax threshold)
  • You prefer talking through options verbally rather than reading forms
  • You're not comfortable with online platforms
  • You want reassurance but can't travel to a solicitor's office
  • You have questions that require back-and-forth discussion

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Margaret, 67, wanted to include specific bequests—her grandmother's jewelry to her granddaughter, £5,000 to her church, her car to her nephew. She felt overwhelmed by online forms with dropdown menus and tick boxes. She paid £240 for Farewill's telephone service, spent 45 minutes on the phone explaining her wishes and asking questions, and received a draft will within 5 days. She made one minor change (updated her nephew's address), and the final will arrived a week later.

Pros:

  • Human interaction and personalized guidance
  • Verbal explanations easier for some people than written instructions
  • Still significantly cheaper than in-person solicitors (£240-£380 vs £300-£500)
  • Suitable for moderate complexity

Cons:

  • More expensive than online-only services (2-3 times the cost)
  • Still not bespoke legal advice for truly complex situations
  • No face-to-face meeting (some people prefer visual interaction)
  • Slightly slower than instant online completion

Legal validity:

Equal to any other properly executed will. The consultation method doesn't affect legal standing.

Option 5: High Street Solicitors (£150-£500 for Simple Wills)

Traditional solicitors remain the most common choice for will writing, despite being the most expensive option for simple estates.

Solicitor Pricing Breakdown

According to Which? research in May 2025, people using solicitors paid an average of £328 for their will. However, prices vary significantly based on complexity and location:

  • Simple wills: £150-£500
  • Mirror wills for couples: £200-£400 average
  • Hourly rates (if not fixed fee): £150-£350 plus VAT
  • Specialist work: £500-£1,000+

Regional Pricing Variations

Location dramatically affects cost:

  • London: £400-£600 for simple wills
  • South East: £300-£450
  • Midlands: £200-£350
  • North of England: £150-£300
  • Wales: £150-£280

The quality of the will doesn't necessarily reflect the price. A £150 will in Wales may be identical in quality to a £600 will in London—you're paying for location overhead, not superior legal expertise.

What You Get for £300-£500

Face-to-face consultation:

30-60 minute appointment to discuss your wishes, assets, and family circumstances.

Bespoke drafting:

Will tailored specifically to your situation rather than template-based.

Professional indemnity insurance:

SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) requirement. If the solicitor makes an error, their insurance covers the cost.

Free storage:

Most firms offer free will storage in fireproof safes.

Legal advice:

Guidance on tax implications, executor selection, and potential disputes.

Executor appointment:

Option for the firm to act as professional executor (typically 2-4% of estate value).

When Solicitors Are Worth the Cost

Use a solicitor if you have:

  • Business assets (company shares, partnerships, sole trader assets)
  • International property or assets abroad
  • Need for trusts (disabled beneficiaries, minors receiving large sums)
  • Estate approaching or exceeding £325,000 (inheritance tax nil-rate band)
  • Complex family dynamics (estranged relatives, disinheritance concerns, multiple marriages)
  • Desire for professional executor appointment

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Amir, 48, runs a small consultancy through a limited company and owns a buy-to-let property alongside his family home. He paid £420 for a solicitor to draft his will. The solicitor advised him on business property relief (potential 100% relief on qualifying business assets), structured his buy-to-let ownership to minimize future inheritance tax, and explained how his company shares should pass to his wife. The solicitor also provided a tax planning letter Amir's executors can use when the time comes.

Pros:

  • Bespoke advice tailored to your specific circumstances
  • Face-to-face reassurance
  • Professional indemnity insurance protects against errors
  • Handles complexity effectively
  • Established relationship with local firm

Cons:

  • Expensive (£150-£500 for simple wills, more for complexity)
  • Slower (appointments often weeks away, drafting takes additional time)
  • May upsell additional services you don't need
  • Overkill for straightforward estates

Legal validity:

No higher than online services or properly completed DIY wills. Price buys expertise and advice, not superior legal standing.

Option 6: Specialist Solicitors (£500-£1,000+ for Complex Estates)

For high-net-worth individuals, business owners with complex succession needs, or estates with international elements, specialist solicitors justify their premium fees through tax savings and sophisticated planning.

Pricing for Complex Will Work

  • Tax planning wills: £500-£1,000
  • Discretionary trusts: £600-£1,200
  • Business succession planning: £800-£2,000
  • International estates (multiple countries): £1,000-£3,000+
  • Hourly rates for specialist work: £250-£600 plus VAT

What Justifies £1,000+ Spend

Estate over £2 million:

Complex inheritance tax planning can save hundreds of thousands in tax—far exceeding the solicitor's fee.

Multiple business interests:

Shareholdings in several companies, partnerships, or franchises require careful succession planning.

Overseas assets:

Property abroad, foreign bank accounts, or international investments need coordination with foreign legal systems.

Agricultural property relief:

Farms and agricultural businesses qualify for special inheritance tax reliefs requiring expert structuring.

Disabled dependents:

Specialist trusts protect vulnerable beneficiaries while preserving means-tested benefits.

Complicated beneficiary structures:

Multiple ex-spouses, stepchildren from several relationships, or contentious family situations.

Professional executor needs:

Appointing the solicitor firm as executor (typically 2-4% of estate value) for complex administration.

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Priya and Raj, both 52, own three rental properties worth £900,000 combined, have £400,000 in pensions, and run a family restaurant valued at £250,000. They paid £1,400 for a specialist solicitor to create wills incorporating business property relief planning, spousal bypass trusts, and strategic rental property allocation. The solicitor's tax planning could save their estate over £200,000 in inheritance tax—a 140:1 return on the £1,400 fee.

Tax Planning Strategies Included

Nil-rate band discretionary trusts:

Preserves each person's £325,000 inheritance tax allowance rather than wasting it through spousal exemption.

Residence nil-rate band optimization:

Additional £175,000 allowance when family home passes to direct descendants—requires careful structuring.

Business property relief:

100% relief on qualifying business assets (companies, partnerships, some sole trader assets).

Spousal bypass trusts:

Protects assets from future care home fees while still providing for surviving spouse.

Charitable bequests:

Reduces taxable estate and can lower inheritance tax rate from 40% to 36% on remainder.

Pros:

  • Maximizes tax efficiency (often saving multiples of the fee)
  • Handles extreme complexity solicitors can't manage
  • Peace of mind for high-net-worth individuals
  • Sophisticated trust structures
  • Coordination with international legal requirements

Cons:

  • Expensive (£500-£3,000+)
  • Overkill for simple estates
  • May recommend structures more complex than necessary
  • Requires ongoing relationship for trust management

Legal validity:

Identical to a £10 DIY will if both are properly executed. The fee buys expert advice and tax planning, not superior legal standing.

Hidden Costs That Inflate "Cheap" Wills (Storage, Updates, Reviews)

A £60 will advertised online can easily cost £300+ over five years once you factor in storage, updates, and reviews.

Annual Update Fees

Many online services charge annual fees if you want to modify your will:

  • Farewill: £10/year after first year free
  • Many competitors: £20-£40/year
  • Over 5 years: £50-£200 in update fees
  • Exception: Some services offer unlimited free updates (rare)

You need to update your will after major life events: births, deaths, marriages, divorces, house purchases, significant asset changes. If you expect these events, factor update costs into your decision.

Storage Costs

Professional storage options:

  • Solicitor storage (if you didn't use them): £40/year or more
  • Solicitor storage (if they drafted your will): Often free, sometimes £20-£40/year
  • Government Probate Service deposit: £20 one-time fee (but 4-week access delay)
  • Bank safe deposit boxes: £50-£100/year (many banks have phased these out)
  • Private storage companies: £30-£50/year or £200-£500 lifetime fee

Home storage:

Free—but carries risk of loss, fire damage, or family not finding the will when needed. If you store at home, tell your executors the exact location.

Professional Review Fees

  • Which? Expert Legal Review: £20 premium (£99 base package becomes £119)
  • Independent solicitor review of DIY will: £50-£150
  • Recommended frequency: Every 3-5 years or after major life events

A professional review of a DIY will can catch errors before they cause problems, but it adds cost.

Executor Appointment Fees

If you appoint a solicitor or professional firm as your executor rather than a family member:

  • Typical charge: 2-4% of estate value plus VAT
  • Example: £200,000 estate = £4,000-£8,000 plus VAT (£4,800-£9,600 total)
  • Family executor: Free (but they do all the work)

True Cost Over 5 Years

Let's compare total cost of ownership:

  • Free charity will: £0 upfront + £0 storage (home) = £0 total
  • DIY template: £15 upfront + £0 updates (you rewrite manually) = £15 total
  • Online service (with fees): £100 + £40 updates (£10/year × 4) + £0 storage = £140 total
  • WUHLD: £99.99 + guidance for updates + home storage = £99.99 total
  • Solicitor: £400 + £0 updates (often included) + £0 storage (free) = £400 total

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Tom bought a £60 online will, thinking he'd found a bargain. Over the next five years, he paid £10/year for two updates (£20), £35/year for professional storage he didn't realize he could skip (£175), and £75 for a solicitor review before signing because he wasn't confident in his answers. Total: £330—more than if he'd used a £150 solicitor who included free storage and one free update.

What's Actually Worth Paying For

Storage:

Home storage is free and perfectly adequate if you tell your executors where to find your will. Professional storage adds cost without significant benefit for most people.

Updates:

Only pay for update subscriptions if you expect frequent changes. Most people update their will 2-3 times over their lifetime—paying per update is often cheaper than annual subscriptions.

Professional review:

Worth £50-£100 if you used a DIY template and want peace of mind. Probably unnecessary if you used a guided online service or solicitor.

When Cheap Is Too Cheap: The £16,000 DIY Mistake

Saving £100 on will writing can cost your family £16,000 in legal fees.

According to industry research, errors in homemade wills can result in legal fees consuming up to 10% of estate value. On the average UK estate of £160,000, that's £16,000 lost to solicitors fixing preventable mistakes.

Common DIY Mistakes with Major Consequences

Beneficiary as witness:

Your sister witnesses your will leaving her £50,000. Under Section 15 of the Wills Act 1837, her gift becomes void the moment she signs as a witness. She inherits nothing.

Ambiguous property description:

You write "my house to my daughter" but you own two properties—your residence and a holiday cottage. Which property did you mean? Your executors face a probate dispute costing £12,000 in legal fees to resolve.

Failed to revoke previous will:

You write a new will but don't include explicit revocation language. Family finds two conflicting wills after your death. They spend £8,000 on legal fees determining which is valid and how conflicting provisions interact.

Misspelled beneficiary name:

You write "John Smith" instead of "Jonathan Smith." Probate is delayed for 6 months while the executor obtains legal declarations proving John and Jonathan are the same person.

Partial intestacy:

You list specific gifts (house to daughter, car to son, jewelry to granddaughter) but forget to include a residuary clause covering "everything else." You die with £40,000 in savings not mentioned in your will. That £40,000 passes under intestacy rules instead of your stated wishes.

No witness signatures:

You sign your will but forget to have your witnesses actually sign. The will is invalid. Your £180,000 estate passes entirely under intestacy rules.

Intestacy Consequences for Unmarried Couples

Under UK intestacy rules, unmarried partners inherit nothing automatically.

The statutory legacy for 2026 is £322,000 (updated from 26 July 2023). If you're married and die intestate, your spouse receives the first £322,000 of your estate plus personal possessions and half the remainder. Children split the other half.

But if you're unmarried?

Your partner receives £0 automatically. They must make an Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claim, which costs £5,000-£15,000 in legal fees and takes 6-12 months to resolve.

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Lisa, 38, and Tom, 40, lived together for 12 years and had two children but never married. Lisa wrote a DIY will leaving everything to Tom, but she asked her sister to witness it. Her sister was also named as a backup guardian for the children. When Lisa died unexpectedly in a car accident, the gift to her sister (as backup beneficiary in a different clause) raised questions about witness validity. Tom had to make an Inheritance Act claim costing £8,000 to secure the family home and ensure his children's inheritance. A £100 online will would have prevented the entire situation.

When You Can't Afford to Go Cheap

Unmarried couples:

Intestacy rules ignore you completely. Even a basic £100 online will is essential—DIY is too risky.

Blended families:

Stepchildren have no automatic inheritance rights. Complex family structures need clear documentation.

Business owners:

Company shares require proper succession planning. Errors can trigger business dissolution or forced sales.

Property co-owners:

Joint tenancy vs. tenants in common affects inheritance rights. Getting this wrong can override your will entirely.

Estranged family members:

If you want to exclude someone who would inherit under intestacy, you must get the will right. Courts can set aside poorly drafted exclusions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

  • DIY will: £15 upfront, potential £16,000 in legal fees if errors occur
  • Online will: £100 upfront, guided process reduces error risk to less than 1%
  • Solicitor will: £400 upfront, professional indemnity insurance covers errors

Spending £100 to avoid a £16,000 risk is a 160:1 return on investment.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Budget and Situation

Not everyone needs a £1,000 specialist solicitor. Not everyone can safely use a £15 DIY template. Here's how to match your situation to the right option.

Simple Estate Decision Path

If your estate is simple (married or single, everything to spouse or children, assets under £325,000, no business interests):

  • £0 budget: Free charity will if eligible (age 55+, March/October/November timing)
  • £10-£30 budget: DIY template only if extremely confident with legal language and witnessing requirements
  • £60-£200 budget: Online service (best value for most people in this category)
  • £300-£500 budget: High street solicitor if you want face-to-face reassurance

For simple estates, online services offer the optimal balance of cost and safety. WUHLD's £99.99 platform lets you preview your complete will before paying anything.

Moderate Complexity Decision Path

If your estate has moderate complexity (property plus investments, specific bequests, guardian appointments, rental property):

  • Under £325,000 total assets: Online service (£100-£200) with optional solicitor review
  • £325,000-£2M total assets: High street solicitor (£300-£500) for tax planning advice
  • Over £2M: Specialist solicitor (£500-£1,000+) for advanced tax strategies

High Complexity Situations

Use a specialist solicitor (£500-£1,000+) if you have:

  • Business assets requiring succession planning
  • International property or foreign assets
  • Disabled dependents needing specialist trusts
  • Agricultural property qualifying for inheritance tax relief
  • Multiple marriages with complex beneficiary arrangements
  • Estate approaching £2M with significant tax exposure

Situation-Based Recommendations

Young adults (20s-30s, first will):

Online service (£100). You likely have straightforward wishes, limited assets, and need guardian appointments if you have children. Free charity schemes require age 55+, so you don't qualify yet.

New parents (naming guardians for children):

Online service (£100-£150) with robust guardian nomination features. Guardian appointments are too important to risk DIY errors, but you probably don't need a £500 solicitor unless you have complex assets.

Unmarried couples:

Online service minimum (£100)—never DIY. Intestacy rules give you nothing automatically, so errors in a DIY will could leave your partner homeless. The stakes are too high to save £85.

Retirees (65+, simple wishes):

Free charity will if eligible (age 55+, simple estate). Otherwise, online service (£100). Most retirees have straightforward wishes after decades of life simplification.

Business owners:

High street solicitor minimum (£300-£500). Business succession, company shares, and partnership interests require professional guidance.

High net worth (£1M+ estates):

Specialist solicitor (£500-£1,000+). Tax planning can save hundreds of thousands—far exceeding the legal fee.

Blended families:

Solicitor (£300-£500) to navigate stepchildren, ex-spouses, and potential disputes. DIY and online services may miss nuances in family dynamics.

International property owners:

Specialist solicitor (£800-£2,000). Coordination with foreign legal systems requires expertise beyond standard will writing.

Risk Tolerance Matching

  • High risk tolerance (confident with legal language, careful reader): DIY template (£15)
  • Medium risk tolerance (want guidance, willing to follow instructions): Online service (£100)
  • Low risk tolerance (need reassurance, prefer human interaction): Telephone service (£240) or solicitor (£300+)
  • Zero risk tolerance (complex situation, can't afford mistakes): Specialist solicitor (£500+)

The "cheapest" option for you isn't necessarily the one with the lowest price—it's the one that adequately protects your family at a cost you can afford.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Will Writing

Q: What is the absolute cheapest way to make a will in the UK?

A: The cheapest options are Free Wills Month (March and October for over-55s) and Will Aid (November, suggested donation £120). DIY will templates cost £10-£30 but carry significant risk of errors that could invalidate your will and cost your estate thousands in legal fees.

Q: Are free wills really free, or is there a catch?

A: Free charity will schemes are genuinely free for simple wills, though you're encouraged to leave a gift to the charity in your will. The "catch" is eligibility restrictions (often 55+) and complexity limits—estates over £325,000 or complex situations typically require paid services.

Q: How much does a will cost with a solicitor in the UK?

A: Solicitors charge £150-£500 for a simple will, or £500-£1,000+ for mirror wills or complex estates. Regional variations exist, with London solicitors charging significantly more than those in Wales or the North. Hourly rates range from £150-£350. Which? research in May 2025 found the average person using a solicitor paid £328.

Q: Is it safe to use a £10 DIY will template from a stationery shop?

A: DIY templates are legally valid if completed correctly, but carry high risk. Studies show DIY wills are more likely to be contested in court due to errors or ambiguities. Common mistakes include improper witnessing (beneficiaries signing), ambiguous language, and misspelled names—any of which can invalidate your will or trigger costly disputes.

Q: What's the difference between a £99 online will and a £650 solicitor will?

A: Online services (£99-£169) use guided questionnaires suitable for straightforward estates. Solicitors (£650+) provide bespoke advice for complex situations like business succession, international assets, or tax planning. For most people with standard estates, online services offer the same legal validity at a fraction of the cost.

Q: Do cheap wills hold up in court?

A: Yes, if they meet the legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837: signed by you, witnessed by two independent adults (not beneficiaries), and made with testamentary capacity. Price doesn't determine validity—a £10 template and a £650 solicitor will have equal legal standing if both are properly executed.

Q: What are the hidden costs of cheap will services?

A: Watch for annual update fees (£10-£40/year), storage charges (£20-£50/year), professional review fees (£50-£100), and executor appointment fees (2-4% of estate value). Some services advertise low prices but charge separately for mirror wills, trusts, or phone support.

Q: Can I write my own will for free without any service?

A: Yes, handwritten wills are legal if they meet the Wills Act 1837 requirements. However, errors in homemade wills can lead to significant legal fees. Free templates exist, but you have no legal recourse if mistakes cause problems.

Q: When should I spend more on a solicitor instead of using a cheap option?

A: Use a solicitor (£500+) if you have business assets, international property, disabled dependents requiring trusts, blended family complexity, or estates likely to face inheritance tax. For standard situations (married, children, straightforward assets under £325,000), online services provide adequate coverage.

Q: How do I know if a cheap will service is legitimate and safe?

A: Check for SRA regulation (Solicitors Regulation Authority), professional indemnity insurance, clear pricing with no hidden fees, Trustpilot ratings above 4.0, and transparency about what's included. Avoid services that don't clearly state whether qualified solicitors review the final document.

Conclusion

Key takeaways:

  • The cheapest options (Free Wills Month, Will Aid, DIY templates) are genuinely free or under £30, but come with eligibility restrictions or significant error risk that could cost your estate thousands
  • For most people, online will services (£99-£169) offer the best value—professional guidance at a fraction of solicitor costs, with legal validity identical to £650 wills when properly executed
  • Hidden costs (storage, updates, reviews) can inflate a "cheap" will by £200+ over 5 years—calculate total cost of ownership, not just upfront price
  • Don't go cheap on complexity: unmarried couples, business owners, and estates over £325,000 need solicitor input (£300-£1,000+) to avoid costly DIY mistakes
  • Legal validity comes from proper execution (signed, witnessed by two independent adults who aren't beneficiaries), not price—focus on getting the process right, regardless of method

Your will is the most important legal document you'll ever create, but it doesn't have to cost hundreds of pounds. The "cheapest" option isn't always the one with the lowest price tag—it's the one that protects your family without leaving them vulnerable to costly errors.

Whether you choose a free charity scheme, a £100 online service, or a £500 solicitor, the best investment is the one you actually complete. 56% of UK adults have no will at all, often because they're overwhelmed by cost. Don't let price paralysis leave your loved ones facing intestacy rules and legal battles.

Need Help with Your Will?

Understanding the cost spectrum helps you choose the right option for your situation. If your estate is straightforward, you don't need to spend hundreds—but a guided approach protects your family better than DIY templates.

Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete will (legally binding when properly executed and witnessed) plus three expert guides. Preview your will free before paying anything—no credit card required.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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