Definition
An online will service is a digital platform that helps you create a legally valid will by answering questions online, then generating a document you must print, sign, and witness.
The "online" element refers only to the creation process—the final will must still be a physical document signed in the presence of two witnesses under the Wills Act 1837.
What Does Online Will Service Mean?
Online will services guide you through creating a will using a questionnaire-based process on a website or app. You answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, executors, and guardians, and the platform generates a customized will document based on your answers. Despite the digital creation process, the Wills Act 1837 requires "ink on paper"—you must print the document and sign it in the presence of two witnesses (both 18 or over) who cannot be beneficiaries. Purely electronic or digital wills are not legally valid in England and Wales.
Online services typically cost £90-£150 for a single will, significantly less than solicitor fees of £150-£500+. The process takes 15-30 minutes compared to weeks waiting for solicitor appointments. Sarah, 34, used an online service to create a straightforward will leaving her £285,000 house to her husband and naming her sister as guardian for her two children. She completed the questionnaire in 20 minutes, printed the document at home, and signed it at her kitchen table with two neighbors as witnesses—total cost £99.99.
However, online services work best for straightforward estates with UK-based assets, clear beneficiaries, and no complex tax planning needs. They're less appropriate for overseas assets, business interests, children from multiple relationships, or high-value estates requiring specialist advice. Most online services are unregulated (unlike solicitors who must hold £2-3 million professional indemnity insurance). Some services cap liability at £1,000 or exclude it entirely. Additionally, some services appoint themselves as executors and charge 2-5% of your estate value—potentially £10,000-£25,000 on a £500,000 estate. Always check executor appointment terms before purchasing.
The regulatory landscape is evolving. In October 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority issued guidance warning about consumer protection issues in unregulated will writing, including aggressive upselling, refusal of refunds, and failure to respond to complaints. While some services like Co-op Legal Services are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, most operate without professional oversight. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases.
Common Questions
"Are online wills legally valid in the UK?"
Yes, online wills are legally valid in England and Wales if they meet the requirements of the Wills Act 1837. You must be 18 or over, of sound mind, and the will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are both over 18. The key is that online services help you create the document, but it still requires proper physical signing and witnessing.
"How much does an online will service cost compared to a solicitor?"
Online will services typically cost between £90-£150 for a single will, while solicitor fees range from £150-£500+ depending on complexity. WUHLD charges £99.99 for a legally binding will. However, be aware some services charge hidden executor fees (2-5% of your estate) which could cost £10,000-£25,000 on a £500,000 estate.
"Is an online will service safe to use for my situation?"
Online will services are suitable for straightforward estates—single property, clear beneficiaries, UK-based assets. They're less appropriate if you have overseas assets, business interests, children from multiple relationships, complex tax planning needs, or high-value estates. For complex situations, solicitor advice provides better protection and professional indemnity insurance.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Online wills are purely digital and don't need to be printed or signed with witnesses.
Reality: Online wills must be printed, signed, and witnessed exactly like any other will. The Wills Act 1837 requires physical signature and two witnesses—purely electronic or digital wills are not legally valid in England and Wales. The "online" part refers only to how you create the document, not its final legal format. Many services don't clearly explain the printing and witnessing requirement until after purchase.
Myth: Solicitor-written wills are always higher quality than online wills.
Reality: Quality depends on the individual service provider and complexity of your situation, not simply whether it's online or solicitor-created. Both solicitors and online services use the same legal precedents (standard will clauses from legal textbooks). Simple wills rarely require custom drafting, so online services can match solicitor quality for straightforward situations. Complex estates genuinely benefit from solicitor expertise, professional indemnity insurance, and personalized advice.
Related Terms
- Testator: The person using an online will service is the testator—the individual making the will who must meet capacity requirements (18 or over, sound mind).
- Executor: Online services require you to name an executor, but be cautious—some services appoint themselves as executor and charge substantial fees (2-5% of your estate).
- Solicitor: Solicitors offer personalized advice and professional indemnity insurance (£2-3 million) compared to online services' standardized process and often limited liability (£1,000 or less).
- DIY Will Risks: Online services reduce but don't eliminate DIY risks—you still need to input correct information and ensure proper witnessing to create a valid will.
- Legal Requirements: Online wills must meet identical Wills Act 1837 requirements as any will—the digital creation method doesn't change fundamental validity rules.
Related Articles
- Understanding Wills: A Complete UK Guide: Provides foundational context for all will-making methods including online services before you choose your approach.
- How to Make a Valid Will in the UK
- Choosing Between DIY Wills, Online Services, and Solicitors: Direct comparison helping you decide if an online service suits your situation better than alternatives.
- What Makes a Will Invalid in the UK?
- Will Writing Costs: What You'll Actually Pay: Breaks down true costs including hidden executor fees charged by some online services that can turn £99 into £25,000.
Need Help with Your Will?
Confused by online will service options and hidden fees? Understanding the differences helps you make an informed choice that protects your family and estate.
Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete, legally binding will 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.