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WUHLD vs Co-op Legal Services: Which Will Writing Service is Right for You?

· 18 min

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

Michael, 42, had been a Co-op member for 15 years. He shopped there weekly, trusted the brand for his insurance, and when his second child was born, his first instinct was to book a will appointment with Co-op Legal Services. The quote arrived: £245 for mirror wills for him and his wife Sarah, with the earliest appointment in four weeks.

A colleague mentioned WUHLD: £99.99 total, completed in 15 minutes. Michael felt torn. Was he being penny-wise and pound-foolish by going cheaper?

According to the National Wills Report 2024, 77% of UK adults with wills use professional services like solicitors. Yet those under 45 are twice as likely to use online services compared to older adults. The shift is real—but does lower cost mean lower quality?

This comparison breaks down exactly what you get from each service, who each is best suited for, and how to decide based on your specific circumstances—not marketing claims.

Table of Contents

The Core Difference: Traditional Solicitor Service vs Online Platform

Both Co-op Legal Services and WUHLD produce legally binding wills that comply with Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. The fundamental difference lies in how they deliver that outcome.

Co-op Legal Services operates through SRA-regulated solicitors. You book an appointment—phone, video, or in-person—for a 90-minute consultation. The solicitor discusses your wishes, drafts your will, and you review before finalising. It's a traditional, hand-holding approach.

WUHLD provides a guided online platform. You answer expert-designed questions about your estate and beneficiaries. The platform generates your will instantly. You preview the entire document before paying, make unlimited changes, and download immediately once satisfied.

Emma books a Co-op appointment for two weeks away, attends a 90-minute video call, then waits another week for her draft. Total time: three weeks. James logs into WUHLD at 9pm on a Tuesday, completes his will by 9:20pm, and previews it immediately. Total time: 20 minutes.

Here's how the service models compare:

Feature Co-op Legal Services WUHLD
Service Model Solicitor-led appointments Guided online platform
Regulation SRA-regulated solicitors Legally compliant platform
Appointment Required Yes (90 minutes) No
Availability Business hours 24/7 online access
Preview Before Paying No (pay upfront, see draft later) Yes (preview entire will free)

Neither approach is inherently superior. Co-op's model suits those who value professional hand-holding. WUHLD's model suits those who prefer autonomy and immediate access. Both produce legally valid wills when properly executed.

Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay

Price transparency matters when you're making this decision. Here's what each service actually costs, with no hidden fees.

Co-op Legal Services charges from £150 for a single will, £245 for mirror wills, and £399 for trust wills (all prices include VAT). These are fixed fees—the quote you receive won't change.

Central Co-op members receive 5% off when quoting "CentralCoop" at booking, plus rewards points (£10 for single will, £15 for mirror wills). After the discount, mirror wills cost approximately £232.75 plus £15 rewards—an effective £217.75.

WUHLD charges £99.99 for all will types. This includes your complete will, Testator Guide, Witness Guide, and Asset Inventory. No membership required. No upsells.

Here's the total cost comparison:

Scenario Co-op Legal Services Co-op (Member Price) WUHLD Savings vs Co-op
Single Will £150 £142.50 + £10 rewards = £132.50 £99.99 £50.01 (£32.51 vs members)
Mirror Wills (Couple) £245 £232.75 + £15 rewards = £217.75 £99.99 £145.01 (£117.76 vs members)
Trust Wills £399 £379.05 £99.99* £299.01 (£279.06 vs members)

*Note: WUHLD's standard platform handles straightforward wills including basic trust provisions; highly complex trust arrangements may require specialist advice.

Updates show another cost difference. Co-op charges full fees for amendments. WUHLD allows unlimited free previews before purchase and £99.99 updates after.

For mirror wills, Sarah and Tom pay £245 with Co-op (£217.75 as members). With WUHLD: £99.99 total—saving £145.01 (£117.76 versus member price).

According to MoneySavingExpert, solicitor wills averaged £328 in a Which? survey, with specialist wills costing £500+. Co-op sits at the lower end of solicitor fees. WUHLD represents a different model—technology enabling lower costs without sacrificing legal validity.

The Process Compared: Time and Convenience

The experience of creating your will differs significantly between these services. Here's what actually happens from decision to completed will.

Co-op Legal Services Process:

  1. Contact and Quote - Call or enquiry online, receive quote, book appointment
  2. Wait for Appointment - Typical wait time varies depending on demand
  3. 90-Minute Consultation - Phone, video, or in-person (add travel time if in-person)
  4. Solicitor Drafts Will - Processing time varies, typically 1-2 weeks
  5. Review Draft - Client reviews, requests changes if needed
  6. Finalise and Receive - Receive final will for signing and witnessing
  7. Total Timeline: 2-4 weeks typical

WUHLD Process:

  1. Access Platform - Visit WUHLD.com, click "Create Your Will"
  2. Complete Guided Questions - 15 minutes average, save progress anytime
  3. Preview Complete Will - See entire will before paying anything
  4. Make Changes - Edit unlimited times during preview
  5. Pay and Download - £99.99 one-time payment, instant PDF download
  6. Print and Execute - Print, sign with two witnesses (Witness Guide included)
  7. Total Timeline: 15 minutes to completion, same day if desired

Lisa works full-time and has two young children. Finding 90 minutes during business hours for a Co-op appointment means taking time off work or arranging childcare. With WUHLD, she completes her will at 10pm after the kids are asleep.

David's father was just diagnosed with a serious illness. He needs his will done this week. Co-op's earliest appointment: two weeks. WUHLD: completed tonight.

Here's the process comparison:

Process Stage Co-op Legal Services WUHLD
Initial Access Book appointment Instant online access
Scheduling Business hours only 24/7 availability
Time Commitment 90-minute appointment + wait time 15 minutes average
Preview Before Paying No Yes (full will preview)
Changes/Edits Request from solicitor (delays) Edit instantly yourself
Total Completion Time 2-4 weeks typical Same day possible

Reviews on Trustpilot (9,846 reviews) praise helpful staff but note communication delays in some cases. Hand-holding is valued when smooth; wait times frustrate urgent needs.

This is the crucial question: does choosing the cheaper option mean accepting legal risk?

The answer is definitively no. Both services produce legally valid wills under English and Welsh law.

Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 sets the requirements for valid wills. A will must be:

  • In writing
  • Signed by the testator (or someone in their presence and by their direction)
  • Signed or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time
  • Attested and signed by each witness in the presence of the testator

The law doesn't distinguish between who drafts a will—only that execution meets these requirements.

Co-op ensures compliance through SRA-regulated solicitors, professional indemnity insurance, and free lifetime will storage.

WUHLD ensures compliance through a platform designed around Section 9 requirements, comprehensive Witness Guide, and preview feature for self-verification.

The critical point: a solicitor will improperly witnessed is invalid. An online will properly witnessed is valid.

Both achieve legal validity when followed correctly.

Legal complexity—not legal validity—determines which service is better suited to your situation.

Robert owns a £400,000 house, has two children, and wants his wife to inherit everything with children as backup beneficiaries. Legal complexity: low. Both WUHLD and Co-op produce equally valid wills.

Margaret owns properties in the UK, France, and Spain, runs a limited company, and anticipates her disinherited son may challenge the will. Legal complexity: high. Co-op's litigation experience is genuinely valuable.

According to the National Wills Report 2024, 77% of UK adults with wills use professional services—but this reflects tradition and preference, not legal necessity. Both professional and online wills are legally binding when properly executed.

Honesty matters here. Co-op Legal Services offers genuine advantages for specific situations. Here's when you should seriously consider paying more for their solicitor service.

Complex or Contentious Family Situations

Disinheriting a child, anticipating challenges. Co-op solicitors document capacity, explain litigation risks, provide expert witness testimony if challenged.

Business Succession Planning

You own a limited company with shareholders. Co-op brings corporate law expertise, coordinates with accountants, handles complex trusts.

International Assets Across Jurisdictions

Properties in UK, Spain, France with different inheritance laws. Co-op provides cross-border knowledge, advises on jurisdictional governance.

Personalised Legal Advice Needed

Questions about inheritance tax, Disabled Person's Trusts, professional executors. Co-op allows follow-up questions and tailored advice.

You Prefer Human Interaction

You find online forms overwhelming or want reassurance from a legal professional. Co-op provides hand-holding with solicitors explaining options clearly.

You're a Loyal Co-op Member

You've been a member for decades and value supporting the cooperative movement. Member discounts and rewards align with your values.

Red flags for solicitor expertise:

  • Anticipated will challenges or family disputes
  • Assets in multiple countries with different legal systems
  • Business ownership with partnership or shareholder agreements
  • Complex tax planning beyond basic nil-rate band usage
  • Disabled beneficiaries requiring specialist trusts
  • Second marriages with children from previous relationships AND significant assets AND potential conflict

These situations genuinely benefit from solicitor expertise. Saving £145 isn't worth the risk of an invalid will or costly disputes.

When WUHLD is the Better Choice

Now for the other side: when does WUHLD offer superior value and outcomes compared to Co-op?

Straightforward Estate Planning

You're married with children, want everything to your spouse then children. Same legal validity, £145 savings, 15 minutes versus 2-4 weeks.

Time-Sensitive Situations

You're travelling next week, just had a baby, or need it for life insurance. Instant access, same-day completion.

Budget-Conscious Planning

You're a young parent with limited savings. £245 feels prohibitive; £99.99 is manageable. Save 55-76% with no legal compromise.

Privacy Preference

You're uncomfortable discussing finances with strangers. Complete control with no judgment.

Flexibility

You want to preview everything, make changes, experiment before paying. No commitment until satisfied.

Convenience

You work irregular hours, have young children, or live rurally. 24/7 access, work from home, pause anytime.

Transparency

You want to understand every clause before committing. Full preview with comprehensive guides.

Common WUHLD scenarios that are perfectly suitable:

  • Single or married/civil partnership with straightforward beneficiaries
  • Parents naming guardians for children under 18
  • Leaving specific gifts (jewellery, heirlooms, cash amounts)
  • UK property as main asset (even high value)
  • Standard executor appointments (family or friends)
  • Basic residuary bequests (everything to spouse/children/named individuals)

David and Emma need mirror wills: Co-op charges £245, WUHLD charges £99.99. They save £145.01. That's a weekend away, children's activity costs, or an emergency fund contribution—for identical legal validity.

According to the National Wills Report 2024, adults under 45 are twice as likely to use online will services compared to those over 45. This generational shift reflects comfort with digital-first solutions—without sacrificing legal validity.

Customer Reviews: What Users Actually Say

Real customer experiences provide valuable insight. Here's what users say about both services, based on verified reviews.

Co-op Legal Services Reviews

Reviews on Trustpilot (9,846 reviews) reveal mixed experiences.

Positive themes: helpful staff, solicitors' knowledge, clear explanations, transparent pricing. One customer shared: "Paige was so helpful. She explained everything in plain English. We felt confident we were doing it right."

Negative themes: delays, communication gaps, extended processing, unreturned calls, staff turnover. Another noted: "Commissioned in June, ground to halt by September, new case manager in March—nine months for a simple will."

Overall: strong support when smooth; frustration when communication breaks down.

WUHLD Reviews

As a newer platform, WUHLD has fewer reviews. Platform strengths: instant completion (15 min average), preview before paying, clear question flow, cost savings (£99.99 vs £245+), comprehensive guides included.

Common concerns: "Is it legally valid?" Yes, when properly executed per Section 9 Wills Act 1837. "What if I make a mistake?" Preview feature lets you review; guides prevent errors.

Comparison Summary

Co-op strength: established reputation, hand-holding, solicitor reassurance. Co-op weakness: delays, communication gaps, higher cost, scheduling constraints.

WUHLD strength: speed, cost, convenience, transparency, 24/7 access. WUHLD consideration: self-service requires following guides; no live advice for complex questions.

Making Your Decision: A Simple Framework

Here's a clear decision framework to help you choose the right service for your specific situation.

Step 1: Assess Your Estate Complexity

Ask yourself:

  • Do you own property or assets in multiple countries (not just one overseas property)?
  • Do you own a business with partners or shareholders?
  • Are you anticipating a will challenge from disinherited family members?
  • Do you have disabled beneficiaries requiring specialist trusts?
  • Is your estate over £2 million requiring complex inheritance tax planning?

If YES to any: Consider Co-op (solicitor expertise valuable) If NO to all: Continue to Step 2

Step 2: Assess Your Preferences

  • Prefer talking through decisions with a professional?
  • Uncomfortable with online platforms or need hand-holding?
  • Co-op brand loyalty important enough to justify higher cost?
  • Complex questions requiring personalised advice?

If YES to 2+: Consider Co-op If NO to most: Continue to Step 3

Step 3: Compare Your Priorities

Your Priority Better Choice Why
Lowest cost WUHLD £99.99 vs £150-£245
Fastest completion WUHLD 15 min vs 2-4 weeks
24/7 access WUHLD Online anytime vs business hours appointments
Preview before paying WUHLD Full will preview vs pay-then-see-draft
Personal legal advice Co-op Solicitor consultation vs self-guided platform
Anticipated will challenge Co-op Litigation experience + expert witness capability
Brand trust & familiarity Co-op Established reputation vs newer platform
Supporting cooperative values Co-op Member-owned organisation vs private company

Step 4: Common Scenarios - Quick Recommendations

WUHLD is ideal if you're:

  • Married/partnered with children and straightforward beneficiaries
  • Naming guardians for children under 18
  • Leaving your estate to spouse then children (standard succession)
  • Budget-conscious and want excellent value
  • Time-sensitive (need it done this week)
  • Comfortable with online platforms

Co-op Legal Services is ideal if you're:

  • Disinheriting close family members
  • Blended family with significant assets and potential conflict
  • Business owner with succession planning needs
  • Multi-country property ownership (3+ jurisdictions)
  • Prefer personalised solicitor advice
  • Long-term Co-op member valuing brand relationship

The Middle Ground

For straightforward estates (UK property, standard beneficiaries, no challenges), both produce legally valid wills. Choose based on: pay less and complete faster (WUHLD) or pay more for solicitor reassurance (Co-op).

Final Question

Would I pay £145+ extra for a 90-minute appointment and 2-4 week wait for a straightforward estate?

If YES: Co-op If NO: WUHLD

Q: How much does Co-op Legal Services charge for a will?

A: Co-op Legal Services charges from £150 for a single will, £245 for mirror wills, and £399 for trust wills (prices include VAT). Co-op members may receive a 5% discount when quoting "CentralCoop" at booking, and earn rewards points (£10 for single will, £15 for mirror wills). Even with member discounts, Co-op's pricing is significantly higher than online alternatives like WUHLD at £99.99.

Q: Is WUHLD as legally valid as a Co-op solicitor will?

A: Yes. Both WUHLD and Co-op Legal Services produce legally valid wills under Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 when properly executed. The key difference is the process (solicitor appointment vs guided online platform), not the legal validity of the final document. A will's validity depends on meeting Section 9 requirements—age 18+, written, signed, and witnessed by two independent witnesses—not who drafted it.

Q: How long does it take to get a will from Co-op Legal Services?

A: Co-op Legal Services typically requires booking an appointment (phone, video, or in-person), attending a 90-minute consultation, then waiting for the solicitor to draft and finalise your will. Customer reviews indicate the total process can take 2-4 weeks from initial contact to completed will. WUHLD's online platform allows you to create and preview your will in approximately 15 minutes, with same-day completion possible.

Q: Do Co-op members get discounts on will writing?

A: Yes. Central Co-op members save 5% on Co-op Legal Services prices when quoting "CentralCoop" at booking. Members also earn rewards: £10 in their Member pot for a single will or £15 for mirror wills. However, even with the 5% discount, Co-op's mirror wills cost approximately £232.75 (plus £15 rewards), compared to WUHLD's flat £99.99 fee—still a significant savings.

Q: When should I choose Co-op Legal Services over WUHLD?

A: Choose Co-op Legal Services if you have highly complex circumstances such as overseas assets in multiple jurisdictions, business succession planning requiring corporate law expertise, anticipated will disputes needing litigation experience, or disabled beneficiaries requiring specialist trusts. Also consider Co-op if you strongly prefer personalised solicitor advice over self-guided platforms, or if Co-op brand loyalty is important to you.

Q: Can I update my will after using WUHLD or Co-op?

A: Yes, but the processes differ significantly. Co-op Legal Services charges their full fees for will updates or amendments, requiring new appointments and processing time. WUHLD allows unlimited free previews before purchase, so you can review and update your will as many times as needed. After purchasing, you can create an updated will for the same £99.99 fee whenever your circumstances change.

Q: What customer support do WUHLD and Co-op Legal Services offer?

A: Co-op Legal Services provides direct solicitor appointments (phone, video, or in-person) with SRA-regulated legal professionals who can answer questions and provide personalised advice. WUHLD offers email support and comprehensive self-service guides (Testator Guide, Witness Guide, Asset Inventory) that explain each section and common questions. Co-op excels at personalised hand-holding; WUHLD excels at self-service convenience with expert guidance built into the platform.

Conclusion

Key takeaways:

  • Both produce legally valid wills under Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837—difference is process and cost, not legal validity
  • Co-op charges £150-£399 (member discounts available); WUHLD charges £99.99—savings of £50-£299
  • Co-op takes 2-4 weeks with 90-minute appointments; WUHLD takes 15 minutes with 24/7 access
  • Choose Co-op for complex estates (multi-country assets, business succession, disputes) or personalised solicitor advice
  • Choose WUHLD for straightforward estates (UK property, standard beneficiaries, guardians) where you value speed and savings

The best will is one you actually complete. Both paths lead to legally valid wills—your choice reflects whether you prioritise personal guidance or speed and savings.

Need Help with Your Will?

Now that you understand how WUHLD and Co-op Legal Services compare, you can make an informed choice. If your estate is straightforward and you value speed and savings, WUHLD's guided platform gives you complete control at a fraction of traditional costs.

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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