How much does a will cost in the UK? Solicitor vs online vs free wills
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In short. How much does a will cost UK: a solicitor-drafted single will typically costs £150–£300, or £200–£500 for a couple's mirror wills. Fixed-fee [online will UK](swiftwill.co.uk*) documents for simple England and Wales estates can start from around £35 (for example [SwiftWill](swiftwill.co.uk*)); solicitor-backed platforms often from around £90. Charity [free wills](swiftwill.co.uk/compare/swiftwill-vs-freewills*) campaigns such as Free Wills Month and Will Aid can also reduce the cost.
The right cost depends on complexity, not just convenience. Writing a will that leaves everything to one or two beneficiaries can be done cheaply if you [make a will online](swiftwill.co.uk/how-to-make-a-will*); wills involving trusts, business assets, blended families or foreign property usually justify a professional will writing service from a solicitor. Compare a live market table at [how much a will costs in the UK](swiftwill.co.uk/will-cost*).
Last reviewed:
·Typical range: £0–£1,500 (one-off)Typical breakdown
| Item | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stationer's template (handwritten DIY) | £0–£20 | |
| Online will — document tool (e.g. SwiftWill single) | From around £35 | |
| Online will — mirror wills (e.g. SwiftWill couple) | From around £55 | |
| Online will — solicitor-reviewed platforms | From around £90 single / £150 mirror | |
| Solicitor — single simple will | £150–£300 | |
| Solicitor — couple's mirror wills | £200–£500 | |
| Charity free wills campaign (Free Wills Month / Will Aid) | £0 solicitor fee — charity donation often suggested | |
| Discretionary trust or business will | £500–£1,500+ | |
| National Will Register registration | £25 one-off | |
| HMCTS will deposit (Probate Service) | £20 one-off |
What changes the cost
- Whether trusts, business or foreign assets are involved
- Single will vs couple's mirror wills
- Whether updates are free for life or charged ~£10/year
- Whether a solicitor stores the original (often free if they drafted it)
- Whether you also want a Lasting Power of Attorney drafted at the same time
Worth knowing
- Watch the 10-year cost: many online providers charge around £10 a year for updates after year one. A one-time £35 will with free lifetime updates stays at £35.
- Charity free wills campaigns such as Free Wills Month (March and October) and Will Aid can reduce the cost for straightforward estates — solicitors waive their fee in return for a suggested charity donation.
- A simple solicitor will is normally insured against drafting errors; check PI cover and membership (e.g. IPW) on document-only platforms too.
FAQ
- How much does a will cost UK if I use an online will writing service?
- Document tools for a simple England and Wales estate can start from around £35 once (SwiftWill) with free lifetime updates. Solicitor-reviewed platforms often start nearer £90. Watch ~£10-a-year update subscriptions. Full table: [will cost UK](swiftwill.co.uk/will-cost*).
- Is a DIY will really legal?
- Yes — a handwritten or template will is legal in England and Wales if it meets the s9 Wills Act 1837 signing and witnessing rules. The risk is wording errors that cause part of the estate to fall into intestacy, or trigger disputes after death. An online will you still print and witness is usually safer than a blank sheet.
- Do solicitors charge to store the will?
- Most don't, if they drafted it. The Probate Service charges £20 for personal deposit, and the National Will Register charges £25 to record where your will is held.
- Are online wills safe?
- Reputable online services run with regulated will-writers or solicitors and produce a printable will you sign and witness in person. They suit simple estates without trusts. Avoid services that don't make clear who is responsible for the drafting.