Around 60% of UK adults do not have a valid will. Without one, your estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy — which may not reflect your wishes, and can create significant problems for unmarried partners who have no automatic inheritance rights.
Writing a will has never been more accessible — or more affordable. Here is how the main options compare.
Will Writing Services Compared — UK 2026
| Service | Type | Single will | Mirror wills | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farewill | Online | £90 | £135 | Simple-to-moderate estates; good UX |
| Co-op Legal Services | Online + solicitor review | £110 | £175 | Those wanting professional oversight |
| Willful | Online | £59 | £99 | Simple estates; budget option |
| Slater and Gordon | Solicitor | £175 | £295 | Moderate complexity |
| Hugh James | Solicitor | £200 | £325 | Wales; good for property matters |
| Local high street solicitor | Solicitor | £150–£300 | £250–£500 | Complex estates; disputes likely |
| Will Aid (November only) | Solicitor | Charitable donation (suggested £100) | £180 donation | Solicitor-standard at reduced cost |
| National Free Wills Network | Solicitor | Free (charity estates only) | Free | Charitable estate planning |
Prices are indicative. Always confirm with the provider before proceeding.
Online Will Writing vs Solicitor — When to Use Each
| Situation | Online service | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Simple family structure (married, children) | ✓ | Optional |
| Unmarried partner — want them to inherit | ✓ with care | Recommended |
| Blended family (stepchildren) | ✓ with care | Recommended |
| Business interests or agricultural property | ✗ | Essential |
| Foreign property | ✗ | Essential |
| Estranged family who might contest | ✗ | Essential |
| Trust for children under 18 | ✓ basic trusts | Recommended for complex |
| Estate worth over £1 million | ✓ possible | Recommended |
What a Will Should Cover
Every well-drafted will should address:
- Executor — who will administer your estate (can be the same person as a beneficiary)
- Beneficiaries — who receives what, and in what proportions
- Residual estate — what happens to anything not specifically named
- Contingency gifts — what happens if a beneficiary dies before you
- Guardianship — who looks after your minor children
- Specific gifts — items of sentimental or financial value you want to direct to specific people
- Funeral wishes — preferences (note: not legally binding, but guides executors)
- Trusts — if applicable, for children or vulnerable beneficiaries
How to Make a Will Legal — Execution Rules
A will in England or Wales is only valid if:
- It is in writing (typed or handwritten)
- You sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are both physically present at the same time
- Both witnesses sign in your presence
- Witnesses must not be beneficiaries or the spouse/civil partner of a beneficiary
Scotland is different: Only one witness is required, and there is no requirement for both testator and witness to be present simultaneously.
Cost vs Risk — Worked Example
Tom, 52, has a wife, two adult children from a first marriage, and a small buy-to-let property.
| Option | Cost | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| DIY kit | £20 | High — self-completion errors common; buy-to-let complicates |
| Online service | £90 | Medium — buy-to-let and blended family adds complexity |
| Solicitor | £250 | Low — recommended for this situation |
The £160 extra for a solicitor here is well spent — a contested or invalid will can cost estates tens of thousands in legal fees.
Free Will Writing — When It’s Available
- Will Aid (November every year) — solicitors write wills for a charitable donation (~£100 single, £180 mirror). Check willaidsolicitors.org.uk
- National Free Wills Network — free simple will if you leave a gift to charity. Check freewillsnetwork.org.uk
- Free Wills Month (March and October) — some solicitors offer free basic wills for over-55s through Free Wills Month. Check freewillsmonth.org.uk
After the Will — Storage
- Keep the original in a safe place — not in a safe deposit box that only you can access
- Tell your executor where it is
- Register it with Certainty (the National Will Register) — costs around £30 and makes it traceable
- Review your will after any major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant change in assets
For other aspects of estate planning see power of attorney guide, how much does probate cost, and inheritance tax guide.