Definition
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority who provides expert legal advice and services, including will writing, estate planning, and probate administration.
Choosing whether to use a solicitor for your will is an important decision that affects both the cost and legal security of your estate plan.
What Does Solicitor Mean?
Under the Solicitors Act 1974 and Legal Services Act 2007, a solicitor holds the legally protected title "Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales." Unlike "lawyer," which anyone can use, "solicitor" is a regulated title requiring specific qualifications. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates over 125,000 solicitors and 11,000 firms in England and Wales, enforcing professional conduct codes and requiring minimum £2 million professional indemnity insurance.
To qualify, solicitors must complete a law degree or conversion course, pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), complete two years of qualifying work experience, and meet character requirements. All solicitors maintain professional indemnity insurance protecting clients if mistakes occur. If a solicitor makes an error in your will, you can complain to the Legal Ombudsman and claim compensation from their insurance.
In estate planning, solicitors handle will drafting, inheritance tax planning, trust creation, and probate applications. Sarah, 52, paid £450 for a solicitor to draft a will for her £1.15 million estate with business assets and blended family. The solicitor identified inheritance tax savings worth over £140,000 through business property relief and nil-rate bands.
You don't legally need a solicitor to make a valid will. James, 28, consulted a solicitor for £180 to protect his unmarried partner. The solicitor confirmed his simple situation but identified his jointly-owned property would pass automatically, helping him focus his will correctly.
Solicitors are particularly valuable when your estate exceeds £325,000, includes business assets or foreign property, involves blended families, or requires trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries. For straightforward mirror wills, regulated online services with solicitor review may suffice.
Common Questions
"Do I need to use a solicitor to make my will?" No, you don't legally need a solicitor for a valid will. However, solicitors are advisable for complex estates (over £325,000, business assets, foreign property, blended families), as DIY mistakes can cause expensive legal disputes.
"How much does a solicitor charge to write a will?" Solicitors charge £125-£260 for straightforward single wills, or £200-£400 for mirror wills. Complex wills cost £500-£1,000 or more. While this exceeds DIY (£10-£50) or online services (£90-£150), solicitors provide regulated expertise and mandatory insurance.
"What's the difference between a solicitor and a will writer?" Solicitors are regulated professionals with specific qualifications, professional indemnity insurance, and SRA conduct codes. Will writers are unregulated, need no qualifications, and may lack insurance. Solicitor errors allow Legal Ombudsman complaints and compensation claims; will writers offer limited recourse.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: You must use a solicitor to make a legally valid will in the UK
Reality: You don't need a solicitor for a valid will. You can write your own will or use a will writer, provided it meets Wills Act 1837 requirements (signed in front of two independent witnesses, made with mental capacity). However, solicitors ensure proper drafting, reducing challenge risks.
Myth: Solicitors are too expensive for ordinary people—they're only for the wealthy
Reality: Solicitors serve all financial backgrounds, with simple wills costing £125-£180. Free will-writing charity campaigns (Free Wills Month in October, Will Aid in March) offer solicitor-drafted wills at no cost. A £200 investment can prevent thousands in legal costs from will errors or family challenges.
Related Terms
Understanding Solicitor connects to these related concepts:
- Law Society: Professional membership body for solicitors providing credentials verification and development.
- Will Writer: Unregulated alternative drafting wills without legal qualifications or mandatory insurance.
- Professional Executor: Role solicitors can fulfill, administering estates after death.
- Legal Services: Broader professional assistance including probate, trusts, and estate administration.
Related Articles
- Online Will vs Solicitor: Which Should You Choose?: Compares online will services and solicitors to help you decide when professional expertise is worth the cost.
- The Role of the Law Society in Will Writing: Explains how the Law Society differs from the SRA regulator and both ensure solicitor quality.
- Handwritten Wills (Holographic Wills): Are They Legal?: Explores when handwritten wills are valid and when solicitor involvement becomes necessary.
Need Help with Your Will?
Understanding what solicitors offer helps you make informed decisions about your will. For straightforward estates, WUHLD provides solicitor-reviewed wills at a fraction of traditional costs, combining professional oversight with accessible pricing.
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 glossary entry provides general information about UK legal terminology and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.