Definition
A will writer is a professional who helps people create wills but isn't necessarily a qualified solicitor, with varying levels of training, regulation, and consumer protection depending on their professional affiliations.
Understanding what a will writer is matters because quality and consumer protections can vary enormously—from highly qualified professionals with insurance and oversight to individuals with no training whatsoever.
What Does Will Writer Mean?
Will writing isn't a "reserved legal activity" under the Legal Services Act 2007, meaning anyone can legally call themselves a will writer without qualifications, training, or registration. This differs fundamentally from solicitors, who must complete law degrees, professional training, and maintain registration with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The unregulated status creates three categories: qualified solicitors, professionally-affiliated will writers, and completely unregulated operators.
Reputable will writers belong to professional organisations with voluntary standards. The Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) is the only will writing body with a code approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). IPW members must pass entrance examinations, maintain professional indemnity insurance of at least £2 million, and complete annual continuing professional development. The Society of Will Writers operates similar requirements. Non-member will writers may have no qualifications, insurance, or complaints procedures.
Sarah chose an IPW-member will writer for her straightforward estate—£340,000 jointly-owned house, savings, and two children as beneficiaries. The will writer charged £145, held £2.5 million insurance, and correctly drafted her will. David used an unregulated will writer charging £89. When David died, the will was partially invalid due to incorrect attestation. His family faced £18,000 in legal costs with no recourse.
In July 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigated unregulated legal services following complaints about will writing. Concerns included misleading advertising, pressure selling, and aggressive upselling. The CMA cautioned seven providers and published compliance guidance in October 2024, highlighting real consumer protection gaps.
Common Questions
"Do I need a solicitor or can I use a will writer?" You don't legally need a solicitor—will writers can create valid wills if competent. However, complex estates (business assets, inheritance tax planning) benefit from solicitor expertise. For straightforward estates, reputable will writers with IPW membership and £2 million insurance can be cost-effective.
"How do I know if a will writer is legitimate?" Check they're members of the Institute of Professional Willwriters or Society of Will Writers. Verify professional indemnity insurance of at least £2 million. Request written terms, clear pricing, and complaints procedure details before committing.
"What's the difference between a will writer and a solicitor?" Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with law degrees and Legal Ombudsman protection. Will writers aren't required to have legal qualifications, though reputable ones belong to professional bodies. Solicitors charge more but offer greater protection for complex estates.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: All will writers are equally qualified and regulated
Reality: Will writing is completely unregulated—anyone can call themselves a will writer without qualifications or insurance. Quality varies from qualified IPW members with professional exams and £2 million insurance to untrained individuals with no oversight.
Myth: Will writers are just as good as solicitors but cheaper
Reality: Some will writers are highly qualified and can draft wills to the same standard for straightforward estates. However, they lack the regulatory protection, mandatory insurance, and Legal Ombudsman oversight that solicitors provide. The cost difference reflects expertise and regulatory protections.
Related Terms
- Solicitor: Fully regulated professionals with mandatory qualifications, SRA regulation, and Legal Ombudsman protection.
- Online Will Service: Some employ will writers, others use solicitors—understanding the difference helps evaluate professional oversight.
- Regulation: Will writing isn't subject to mandatory regulation despite its legal importance.
- Professional Standards: Voluntary standards through IPW and Society of Will Writers ensure quality and protect consumers.
- STEP: Will writers with STEP membership demonstrate higher professional standards in estate planning.
Related Articles
- Online Will vs Solicitor: Which Should You Choose?: Compares professionals (including will writers) involved in online will services to help you choose the right balance of cost and protection.
- The Role of the Law Society in Will Writing: Explains why will writers fall outside Law Society regulation and the consumer protection implications.
Need Help with Your Will?
Understanding the differences between will writers, solicitors, and online services helps you make an informed choice. Whether you choose a professional will writer or another option, what matters is ensuring your will is legally valid and properly reflects your wishes.
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.