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Solicitor vs Online Will Cost: UK Price Comparison 2026

· 35 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Emma and David had been putting off making their will for three years. As a secondary school teacher in Manchester with two daughters aged 6 and 9, Emma knew they needed one. Their £285,000 house, £45,000 in savings, and modest pensions represented everything they wanted to protect for their children.

When Emma finally requested quotes, the price differences confused her. Their local solicitor quoted £420 plus VAT—£504 total—for mirror wills. A national online service charged £192. WUHLD's guided platform cost £99.99 each, totaling £199.98.

Why did prices vary so dramatically for what seemed like the same legal document? Was the solicitor's £504 quote offering £300 more value, or was the online service cutting corners?

Emma represents the shifting landscape of UK will writing. In 2025, only 49% of consumers used a solicitor for will writing, down from 56% in 2020. The question isn't just about cost—it's about understanding what you're paying for and which option genuinely suits your situation.

This guide provides exact 2025 pricing, breaks down what's included at each price point, explains the critical protection differences, and gives you a clear framework to choose the right option for your budget and estate complexity.

Table of Contents

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for Wills in the UK?

Solicitor fees for wills vary significantly based on complexity, location, and firm reputation.

According to MoneyHelper, a simple will costs between £150 and £408. Shopping around could save you hundreds of pounds. For more complex situations involving trusts, overseas property, or business assets, fees range from £500 to £5,000 or more.

The pricing breakdown looks like this:

Will Complexity Average Cost What's Included
Simple single will £150-£260 Basic will, no trusts, straightforward beneficiaries
Mirror wills (couple) £200-£400 Two wills, standard guardianship, no tax planning
Complex will £500-£2,000 Property trusts, tax planning, business assets
Very complex will £2,000-£5,000+ Multiple trusts, overseas assets, IHT mitigation

David, 45, from Birmingham wanted a simple will leaving everything to his wife. His local solicitor quoted £175 as a fixed fee. The appointment took 45 minutes, and his will was ready within a week.

Sarah, 52, from London needed a complex will with a property trust for her children from a previous marriage. Her solicitor charged £2,400, reflecting three consultation sessions, detailed tax planning advice, and sophisticated trust drafting that would save her estate approximately £65,000 in inheritance tax.

James and Lisa in Manchester wanted mirror wills with guardianship clauses for their three children. Their solicitor quoted £340 total for both wills, including a joint consultation and individual execution appointments.

Regional variations matter. London solicitors typically charge 20-40% more than regional firms. A simple will costing £180 in Manchester might cost £250 in central London for identical work.

Most solicitors now offer fixed-fee pricing rather than hourly rates. This transparency helps you compare quotes directly. Always confirm whether VAT applies—while will writing itself is VAT-exempt, some related services may not be.

Online Will Service Costs: Complete Breakdown

Online will services range from basic DIY kits to comprehensive guided platforms with legal support.

The pricing spectrum breaks down into distinct categories, each offering different levels of guidance and support.

DIY will kits cost £10-£30 and provide pre-printed forms with basic instructions. You're essentially buying stationery. There's no legal guidance on implications, no support with execution, and no help understanding what your choices mean legally.

Basic online services charge £20-£50 for simple questionnaires that generate template wills. You answer questions, the system produces a document, but legal explanations are minimal. These suit only the simplest situations where you fully understand estate planning law.

Guided online platforms cost £99-£192 and provide step-by-step guidance with legal explanations for each choice. These platforms explain testamentary capacity, witnessing requirements, and the implications of different beneficiary arrangements. Most include execution guides and supporting documents like witness instructions and asset inventories.

Here's how major UK providers compare:

Service Type Cost Range What's Included Best For
DIY kits £10-£30 Blank forms only Extremely simple estates, legal knowledge
Basic online £20-£50 Simple questionnaire, template generation Straightforward wishes, budget-conscious
Guided platforms £99-£192 Step-by-step guidance, legal explanations, supporting docs Most standard estates
Hybrid (online + review) £150-£300 Online drafting + solicitor check Moderately complex estates

Specific provider pricing for 2025 includes Farewill at £192 per will with optional £10/year updates, Co-op Legal Services at £150 for online or phone service, Which? Wills offering £99 self-service or £119 with legal review, and WUHLD at £99.99 for a complete will with three expert guides and no subscription fees.

Tom, 29, tried a £25 DIY kit to save money. He made a witnessing error—his girlfriend's sister witnessed the will, not realizing that invalidated her gift. When Tom died unexpectedly, his estate went to his parents under intestacy rules instead of to his girlfriend as intended. The "savings" cost his girlfriend £180,000.

Rachel, 41, used a £99 guided service. The platform explained each decision, warned about common mistakes, and provided witness guidance. She completed her will in 20 minutes. When properly executed with two independent witnesses, her will was legally identical to one a solicitor would have prepared.

Paul, 55, wanted professional reassurance. He started with a £99 online service to draft his will, then paid a solicitor £150 to review it. Total cost: £249, saving him over £200 compared to using a solicitor from the start while gaining professional verification.

What You're Actually Paying For: Service Comparison

Understanding what's included at each price point helps you assess value, not just cost.

Solicitor services include face-to-face consultations lasting 30-90 minutes, bespoke drafting by qualified legal professionals, and professional indemnity insurance of £2-3 million minimum as required by the SRA. You receive legal advice on tax planning, asset protection, and trust structures. Many solicitors offer will storage (often £25-£100/year extra) and executor services (typically 1-5% of estate value). You also get regulatory protection through the SRA complaints process and potential access to the Compensation Fund.

Online guided services provide step-by-step questionnaires taking 15-30 minutes, legal explanations of each choice, and template drafting based on your answers. You receive execution guidance covering witnessing requirements, supporting documents including witness guides and asset inventories, and digital storage with update options varying by provider. Critically, there's no professional indemnity insurance because you're preparing the will yourself using their tools, and no bespoke legal advice specific to your situation.

DIY kits include only pre-printed forms and basic instructions. There's no guidance on legal implications, no execution support, no updates or storage, and no recourse if you make mistakes.

The critical differentiator between solicitors and online services isn't legal validity—both produce legally valid wills when properly executed under the Wills Act 1837. The difference lies in three key areas.

Professional indemnity insurance provides financial protection from professional errors. Solicitors must carry minimum £2-3 million professional indemnity insurance as required by the SRA. If a solicitor makes an error—misses a legal requirement, creates ambiguous wording, or fails to advise on tax planning—you can claim compensation. Online services provide tools for you to create your own will, so no insurance applies. You're the will-maker, not them.

Regulatory protection means solicitors are SRA-regulated with established complaints processes and potential Compensation Fund access. Will writers, by contrast, are unregulated—they need no training, qualifications, or professional indemnity insurance. Online platforms are software providers, not legal advisors.

Bespoke legal advice differs fundamentally from legal explanation. Solicitors can advise on your specific situation—recommending tax strategies, trust structures, and asset protection tailored to your circumstances. Online services explain the law and your options, but you choose based on your own understanding. They guide; they don't advise.

Here's what this means in practice:

Feature Solicitor Online Guided DIY Kit
Price £150-£650+ £99-£192 £10-£30
Legal advice ✓ Bespoke advice ✗ General guidance only ✗ None
Prof. indemnity insurance ✓ £2-3m minimum ✗ No insurance ✗ No insurance
Regulatory protection ✓ SRA-regulated ✗ Unregulated ✗ None
Tax planning ✓ Available ✗ Explain options only ✗ None
Execution support ✓ Often witness/store ✓ Guidance provided ✗ Basic instructions
Updates/changes £50-£150 each £0-£20/year Buy new kit

Michael, 48, owned a business worth £800,000. He paid his solicitor £1,200 for comprehensive estate planning. The solicitor structured business property relief and set up trusts that saved Michael's estate £65,000 in inheritance tax. The return on investment: 5,417%.

Jenny, 35, had a straightforward estate—everything to her husband, then their two children. She paid £99 for an online will. The legal outcome was identical to what a £350 solicitor will would have provided. She saved £251 without compromising her family's protection.

The price difference reflects the service model: bespoke professional advice versus guided self-service. For straightforward estates, both routes produce equally valid wills. You're choosing between professional reassurance and cost efficiency.

Professional Indemnity Insurance and Consumer Protection

The most significant protection difference between solicitors and online services lies in professional indemnity insurance and regulatory oversight.

The SRA mandates all practicing solicitors carry professional indemnity insurance with minimum coverage of £3 million for limited companies and LLPs, or £2 million for partnerships and sole practitioners. This coverage includes negligence, breach of trust, confidentiality breaches, defamation, and will drafting errors.

Wills, probate, and trusts work is classified as high risk by professional indemnity insurers. This reflects the potential for significant financial losses if errors occur. Trading without proper insurance is a serious breach—the SRA will shut down firms that fail to maintain coverage.

If a solicitor makes an error in your will—misses a statutory requirement, creates ambiguous wording, fails to advise on available tax relief—you can claim against their professional indemnity insurance. The SRA Compensation Fund may also provide recourse in some cases. There's an established complaints process through the SRA for service failures.

Online services and will writers operate differently. Will writers are unregulated in the UK—they need no training, qualifications, or professional indemnity insurance. According to research, 40% of consumers incorrectly believe all will writing services are regulated.

Online platforms are software providers, not legal service providers. When you use an online service, you're creating the will yourself using their tools. They provide guidance and explanations, but you make the decisions. There's no professional indemnity insurance because there's no professional relationship—you're the will-maker.

This distinction matters in specific scenarios.

Case one: A solicitor fails to advise a client about inheritance tax nil-rate band planning. The estate pays £100,000 in unnecessary tax. The family claims against the solicitor's professional indemnity insurance and receives compensation.

Case two: A will writer drafts an ambiguous residuary clause that creates a two-year probate dispute costing £15,000 in legal fees. The will writer has no insurance and no regulatory oversight. There's no compensation available.

Case three: Someone uses an online service but makes an execution error—a beneficiary witnesses the will, invalidating their gift under Section 15 of the Wills Act 1837. The will itself may still be valid, but the witnessed gift is void. The online service has no liability because this is user error, not a platform defect.

When does insurance protection matter most?

For complex estates requiring professional judgment—tax planning, trust structures, business succession—professional indemnity insurance provides valuable financial protection. If the solicitor's advice proves negligent, you have recourse.

For situations with high dispute risk—disinheriting family members, mental capacity concerns, undue influence allegations—having a professionally prepared and documented will with insurance backing strengthens your position.

When is insurance protection less critical?

For straightforward estates with clear instructions—everything to spouse, then children equally—the legal framework is simple. The primary risk isn't professional error; it's execution mistakes like improper witnessing. Insurance doesn't protect against your own execution errors regardless of who prepared the will.

When you're confident in your understanding and the guidance provided is clear, professional indemnity insurance adds less value. The legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837 are the same whether you pay £99 or £650. Proper execution determines validity, not preparation cost.

When a Solicitor Is Worth the Extra Cost

Certain situations genuinely benefit from solicitor expertise, and the premium fees typically pay for themselves through tax savings or dispute prevention.

Complex asset structures require professional guidance. If you own business interests—partnerships, limited companies, shares—you need advice on business property relief and succession planning. Agricultural land and farming estates involve specialized valuation and planning. Overseas property or assets in multiple jurisdictions require understanding of different legal systems. Intellectual property like patents, copyrights, or royalties needs careful structuring.

Marcus owned a £400,000 business. His solicitor charged £500 to structure the business succession properly, utilizing business property relief and setting up shareholder agreements aligned with his will. This planning saved his estate approximately £80,000 in inheritance tax and prevented a potential £200,000 business disruption. The return on investment: 16,000%.

Inheritance tax planning becomes essential when your estate exceeds the nil-rate band. The current threshold is £325,000 for individuals or £650,000 for married couples when including the residence nil-rate band for a family home passing to direct descendants.

Setting up trusts minimizes inheritance tax liability. Discretionary trusts, life interest trusts, and other structures require professional drafting. Utilizing nil-rate bands and residence nil-rate bands strategically can save hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Helen's estate was worth £650,000. Her solicitor charged £1,200 to establish trust planning that would save her estate £140,000 in inheritance tax. Return on investment: 11,567%.

Potential disputes or challenges warrant professional involvement. If estranged family members are likely to contest your will, proper documentation of your capacity and intentions strengthens its validity. Mental capacity concerns—early dementia, cognitive decline—require careful assessment and documentation. Disinheriting close relatives like spouses or children triggers potential claims under the Inheritance Act. Concerns about undue influence allegations benefit from independent professional verification.

Robert wanted to disinherit his son due to estrangement. His solicitor documented detailed file notes of their conversations, Robert's reasoning, and a capacity assessment. When the son challenged the will after Robert's death, it survived the legal challenge. The solicitor's documentation prevented a £25,000 litigation cost and preserved Robert's wishes.

Blended family complexity requires specialized drafting. Second marriages with children from previous relationships create competing interests. You need to balance your current spouse's security against your children's inheritance rights. Life interest trusts can give your spouse the right to live in the family home for their lifetime, with the property then passing to your children. This prevents the home being inherited by a new partner if your spouse remarries.

Caroline's £280,000 home needed to provide for her second husband while ultimately passing to her daughters from her first marriage. Her solicitor charged £800 to create a life interest trust. This prevented the home from being lost to a potential new partner and gave Caroline's daughters certainty about their inheritance.

Dependents with special needs require careful planning. Disabled children or vulnerable adults need long-term provision that doesn't jeopardize means-tested benefits. Discretionary trusts preserve benefit eligibility while providing financial support. Appointing appropriate trustees ensures ongoing management aligned with your dependent's needs.

Patricia's disabled son received means-tested benefits totaling £18,000 annually. A direct inheritance would have eliminated his benefit eligibility. Her solicitor charged £650 to establish a disabled person's trust that protected a £120,000 inheritance without affecting benefits. This structure will preserve approximately £360,000 in benefits over his lifetime.

Business succession planning coordinates your will with operational continuity. Passing a business to children while protecting a surviving spouse requires sophisticated structures. Ensuring the business can continue operating during probate prevents value destruction. Coordinating your will with shareholder agreements and partnership deeds maintains business relationships.

You likely need a solicitor if any of these apply:

  • Estate value exceeds £500,000 (potential IHT liability)
  • You own a business worth more than £100,000
  • You have property in multiple countries
  • You want to disinherit close family members
  • You're in a second marriage with children from a first marriage
  • You have dependents with disabilities
  • You've been diagnosed with dementia or cognitive decline
  • Family members have threatened to challenge your will

For these situations, the solicitor's fee is typically outweighed by the financial protection and tax savings their advice provides.

When Online Wills Offer Better Value

Many estates are genuinely straightforward, and online services deliver identical legal outcomes at significantly lower cost.

Straightforward estate structures suit online services perfectly. If you have a single property or rent your home, hold bank accounts and standard savings, own no business interests or complex investments, and your estate value stays under the inheritance tax threshold of £325,000 for individuals or £650,000 for couples including your home, you don't need bespoke professional advice.

Emma from our opening example—£285,000 house, £45,000 savings, £30,000 pension—represents the perfect online will candidate. Her estate is straightforward, her wishes are clear, and no tax planning is required. An online service provides everything she needs.

Clear beneficiary wishes make online wills ideal. If you're leaving everything to your spouse, then children equally, appointing guardians without expecting disputes, not intending to disinherit close relatives, and requiring no complicated trust structures, the legal framework is simple.

Tom, 33, wanted everything to go to his wife, with his parents named as guardians for their daughter. He used a £99 online will. The legal effect was identical to a £350 solicitor will. He saved £251 without compromising legal validity.

Married couples with simple estates benefit most from online services. Standard mirror wills—where each spouse leaves everything to the other, then to children—require no bespoke advice. When you have no children from previous relationships, no specific lifetime gifts or conditions, and straightforward family structures, online guidance is sufficient.

David and Rachel, married 12 years with two children, own a £240,000 house and have standard savings. They paid £199.98 for both online wills versus £340+ for solicitor mirror wills. Same legal outcome, £140 saved.

Younger people with modest estates rarely need solicitor fees. First-time will makers under 40 are primarily concerned with guardianship and basic asset distribution. If your estate is under £200,000, you have clear beneficiary wishes, and you're primarily protecting young children rather than planning for tax, online services provide appropriate guidance.

Sophie, 28, rents a flat in London. She has £15,000 in savings and wants everything to go to her parents and brother equally. She named her brother as executor and her best friend as guardian for any future children. A £99 online will fit her needs perfectly. Paying £350 for a solicitor would have bought her nothing additional.

Updates to existing wills often suit online services. If you need simple changes—appointing a new executor, adding a beneficiary—and you understand your current will structure, creating a fresh will online costs £99 versus £120-£180 for a solicitor codicil or replacement.

James, 52, had a solicitor prepare his will in 2018. He wanted to add his new grandchild as a beneficiary. Instead of paying £150 for a solicitor amendment, he used a £99 online service to create a fresh will that revoked the old one. He saved £51 and completed the task in 20 minutes rather than scheduling appointments.

The key advantages of online services for simple estates include speed—complete in 15-30 minutes versus weeks of solicitor appointments—cost savings of £100-£450+, convenience of working from home anytime without scheduling, transparency with the ability to preview your complete will before paying, control over the pace of decisions, and identical legal validity when properly executed under the Wills Act 1837.

An online will likely suits you if all of these apply:

  • Estate value under £325,000 (or £650,000 for couples including home)
  • No business interests or overseas property
  • Clear, straightforward beneficiary wishes
  • Standard family structure (not blended family with complex needs)
  • No intention to disinherit close family
  • Confident making decisions with legal explanations provided
  • You can follow witnessing instructions carefully

According to GOV.UK, online wills are legally valid if they meet the same requirements as any other will under the Wills Act 1837. The method of preparation doesn't affect validity—proper execution does.

For straightforward estates, online services deliver identical legal outcomes at significantly lower cost. The key is honest self-assessment: if your situation is simple, the premium for solicitor fees doesn't add legal value.

Hidden Costs and Fee Structures to Watch For

Both solicitors and online services can have hidden costs that inflate the advertised price significantly.

Solicitor hidden costs often emerge after you commit.

Will storage fees range from £25-£100 annually. Over 20 years, this adds £500-£2,000 to your total cost. Some firms charge £50-£100 retrieval fees just to return your own will. The alternative is storing at home for free, though you risk loss or damage. Always ask: "Is will storage included, and are there annual fees?"

Update and codicil charges add up over time. Simple codicils cost £50-£150 each. A new will to replace an old one often costs £100-£200, sometimes less than the original. Some firms advertise "free updates for life" but restrict what qualifies. Ask: "How much do updates cost if my circumstances change?"

Executor service fees can devastate estate value. If you appoint a solicitor firm as executor, they charge 1-5% of estate value. On a £300,000 estate, that's £3,000-£15,000 in executor fees, often mentioned casually during will preparation. Ask: "What are your executor fees if I appoint the firm?"

Home visit charges apply when you can't visit the office. Travel fees of £50-£150 affect elderly or disabled clients who need this option most. Ask: "Is there a charge for home visits?"

VAT complications confuse many clients. Will writing is VAT-exempt, but related services—storage, executor fees, tax advice—may attract 20% VAT. Always confirm whether quoted prices include VAT. Ask: "Is this price VAT-inclusive or will VAT be added?"

Complexity creep increases fees mid-process. An initial quote for a "simple will" at £150 becomes £450 after consultation when your situation is deemed "more complex." This happens frequently when you mention business interests, second marriages, or overseas assets. Ask upfront: "What could make my will more expensive than the quoted price?"

Online service hidden costs vary by provider.

Subscription models charge £10-£20 annually for unlimited updates. Over 20 years, this adds £200-£400 to your total cost. Check whether the first year is free with auto-renewal. Ask: "Are there ongoing subscription fees for updates?"

Per-update charges make "free" services expensive over time. Some charge £25-£50 for each update. Life changes requiring updates include marriage, children, house purchase, and divorce. You could spend £100-£200 over your lifetime on updates. Ask: "How much does it cost to update my will later?"

Upgrade upsells inflate basic prices dramatically. A £50 basic will becomes £200 with a "legal review" upgrade (+£50), "premium package" with LPA (+£100), and other add-ons. Ask: "What's included in the base price versus upgrades?"

Storage fees of £20-£50 annually are unnecessary. You can store your will yourself for free. Ask: "Are there storage fees, or can I download and store myself?"

Notarization and witnessing services charge £50-£100 for professional witnessing. This is unnecessary—any two independent adults can witness for free. Ask: "Do I need to pay for witnessing, or can I arrange my own witnesses?"

DIY will kit hidden costs accumulate over time.

Replacement kits add up. Each kit costs £20. Make a mistake? You need a new kit. Each life change requires a new kit. Over 20 years, you might spend £100-£200 on replacement kits.

No guidance creates expensive mistakes. If a beneficiary witnesses your will, their gift becomes void. Incorrect witnessing invalidates the entire will. Ambiguous wording costs estates £5,000-£15,000 in probate disputes. A "cheap" £20 kit could cost your estate £15,000+.

Here's a realistic comparison of total costs over 20 years:

Service Upfront Storage (20yr) Updates (3 changes) Total 20-Year Cost
Solicitor (traditional) £350 £1,000 £300 £1,650
Solicitor (modern fixed fee) £250 £0 (included) £0 (free updates) £250
Online (subscription) £100 £0 £0 (subscription £10/yr = £200) £300
Online (pay-per-update) £99 £0 £150 (£50 each) £249
Online (WUHLD model) £99.99 £0 £0 £99.99
DIY kit £20 £0 £60 (new kit each change) £80

Before committing, ask these questions.

For solicitors:

  1. What is your total fixed fee, including all disbursements and VAT?
  2. Are there storage fees, and can I store the will myself?
  3. How much do updates and codicils cost?
  4. What are your executor fees if I appoint your firm?
  5. Will the quoted price increase if my estate is deemed complex?

For online services:

  1. Is this a one-time payment or a subscription?
  2. How much do updates cost in the future?
  3. Can I download my will and store it myself for free?
  4. Are there upsells or additional charges during the process?
  5. What happens if I need help with execution or witnessing?

Both solicitors and online services can have hidden costs. Always ask for total lifetime costs, not just the upfront price. Transparent pricing should include storage, updates, and future changes.

The Hybrid Approach: Online + Solicitor Review

A growing trend combines online drafting with professional review, offering middle-ground cost and reassurance.

The hybrid approach works in three steps. First, create your will using an online service (£99-£192). Second, pay a solicitor for review only (£100-£200). Third, execute the will after verification or make recommended changes. Total cost ranges from £199-£392 versus £350-£650 for full solicitor service, saving £150-£350+ while gaining professional verification.

Unbundled services (where you draft online then have a solicitor review) have grown from 4% in 2023 to 10% in 2025, representing 150% growth in just two years as cost-conscious consumers seek professional reassurance without full solicitor fees.

The hybrid approach makes sense in specific situations.

Moderately complex estates benefit most. If you understand your situation but want verification, your estate value sits between £325,000-£500,000 near the IHT threshold, or you have multiple beneficiaries but no trusts needed, the hybrid approach provides reassurance without full solicitor costs.

Karen, 48, has a £380,000 estate and three children from a second marriage. She drafted her will online for £99, then paid £150 for solicitor review. The solicitor confirmed IHT planning was unnecessary given her circumstances. Total cost: £249 versus £550 for full solicitor service. Savings: £301.

First-time will makers lacking confidence appreciate professional eyes on their work. Even with simple estates, some people worry they've missed something. Online draft plus review provides peace of mind plus cost savings.

Michael, 34, has a straightforward will but felt anxious about mistakes. Online draft (£99) plus review (£120) totaled £219, giving him confidence while saving £150+ versus using a solicitor from the start.

Updates to previously solicitor-drafted wills suit hybrid approach. If you had a complex will prepared years ago and need a simple update, drafting online with solicitor review ensures alignment with the original structure.

David, 61, had a complex 2015 solicitor will costing £800. He wanted to add his grandchild as a beneficiary. Online update (£99) plus review (£150) totaled £249 versus £300-£400 for a full solicitor redraft.

How to execute the hybrid approach effectively:

Choose a comprehensive online service. Use a guided platform (£99-£192), not a basic DIY kit (£20). Ensure it provides complete legal explanations. Complete the entire questionnaire thoroughly.

Download your drafted will. Most services provide PDF or Word documents. Do not sign or execute yet—wait for professional review.

Find a solicitor offering review-only service. Contact local solicitors asking: "Do you offer will review services?" Typical cost is £100-£200 for a 30-minute review appointment. Some firms advertise "will checking" as a standalone service.

Attend the review appointment. The solicitor reads through your will, identifies any issues, suggests amendments if needed, and confirms legal validity and execution requirements.

Execute or revise based on findings. If the review finds no issues, execute as-is by signing with two independent witnesses. If the review suggests changes, revise online or have the solicitor redraft problem sections. Pay only for additional time if extensive changes are needed.

Cost breakdown for different scenarios:

Hybrid Scenario Online Service Solicitor Review Total vs Full Solicitor Savings
Simple estate review £99 £100 £199 £350 £151
Moderate complexity £192 £150 £342 £550 £208
Complex with revisions £99 £250 (2 hours) £349 £800 £451

The hybrid approach has limitations.

It's not suitable for highly complex estates. If solicitor review reveals major issues, you're paying twice—online creation plus full solicitor redraft. Better to start with a solicitor if you know your estate is complex.

Some solicitors won't "touch up" online wills. They prefer to redraft entirely rather than amend DIY documents, defeating the cost-saving purpose.

Limited liability affects protection. A solicitor reviewing your work has limited liability because they didn't draft it. Their professional indemnity insurance might not cover errors in your original drafting.

Questions to ask solicitors offering review:

  1. Do you offer will review-only services, or do you prefer to redraft?
  2. What's your fixed fee for reviewing a pre-drafted will?
  3. If you find issues, what are costs for amendments versus complete redraft?
  4. Does your professional indemnity insurance cover review-only services?

The hybrid approach offers professional verification at lower cost than full solicitor service. It's best suited for moderately complex estates where you're confident in your understanding but want expert confirmation.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Budget

Combining cost, complexity, and risk tolerance helps you identify the genuinely appropriate option.

Start with estate complexity assessment.

Do you have any of these?

  • Business interests worth more than £100,000
  • Property in multiple countries
  • Estate value exceeding £500,000
  • Intention to disinherit spouse or children
  • Diagnosed cognitive decline or dementia
  • Dependents with disabilities requiring trusts

If yes to any, use a solicitor (£500-£5,000+). The cost is justified by tax savings, dispute prevention, and specialized planning. Professional indemnity insurance is critical for complex advice.

If no to all, continue to the next question.

Is your estate value more than £325,000 for individuals or more than £650,000 for couples including your home?

If yes, consider a solicitor or hybrid approach (£199-£550). Near the IHT threshold, tax planning may save thousands. Hybrid option: draft online, then solicitor review for IHT optimization.

If no, continue to the next question.

Are you confident making legal decisions with clear explanations provided?

If no, consider the hybrid approach (£199-£350). Draft online with a guided platform, then get solicitor review for peace of mind. This saves £150-£300 versus full solicitor service.

If yes, continue to the next question.

Is your estate straightforward with standard beneficiaries, no trusts, first marriage, and children all from current relationship?

If yes, use an online will (£99-£192). Legally identical outcome to solicitor for simple estates. Save £150-£450+. Use a guided platform, not a DIY kit.

If no, consider a solicitor or hybrid approach.

Budget-based recommendations help narrow choices.

Under £100 budget: Use a guided online will (£99.99). Suitable for straightforward estates, clear beneficiary wishes, first-time will makers under 50 with modest estates. Not suitable for complex estates, IHT concerns, or business interests.

£100-£250 budget: Choose a premium online service or hybrid approach. Suitable for moderate complexity, professional review needs, or estates near IHT threshold.

£250-£500 budget: Use a solicitor for a simple will or hybrid with a complex estate. For those wanting full solicitor peace of mind for straightforward estates, or those with moderate complexity using hybrid approach.

£500+ budget: Use a solicitor with specialist expertise. Suitable for complex estates, business succession, IHT planning, trusts, or overseas assets.

Risk tolerance assessment matters.

Low risk tolerance (want maximum professional assurance): Choose solicitor (£250-£650+) or hybrid (£199-£350). You prioritize professional indemnity insurance, regulatory protection, and expert advice. You're willing to pay a premium for peace of mind.

Medium risk tolerance (confident with guidance): Choose guided online service (£99-£192) or hybrid if borderline complex (£199-£350). You prioritize cost efficiency with professional-quality guidance. You're comfortable making decisions with legal explanations provided.

High risk tolerance (very confident, simple estate): Choose online guided service (£99-£192) or DIY kit if extremely simple (£20-£30). You prioritize maximum cost savings. You're confident understanding legal requirements and executing correctly.

Value-for-money calculations help justify costs.

Solicitor at £350 for simple will costs £17.50 per year over 20 years. What you get: professional advice, PII protection, regulatory oversight. Value: high if complex, moderate if simple.

Online guided service at £99.99 for simple will costs £5 per year over 20 years. What you get: legal guidance, execution instructions, supporting documents. Value: high for straightforward estates.

ROI analysis for different scenarios:

Simple estate worth £180,000: Solicitor costs £350, online costs £99, savings of £251. Legal outcome is identical. Return on investment of choosing online: saved £251, which is 252% of online cost.

Complex estate worth £600,000 needing IHT planning: Solicitor costs £1,200 and saves £140,000 in IHT through planning. Online costs £99 but misses IHT planning, costing estate £140,000. Return on investment of choosing solicitor: £1,200 fee saves £140,000, which is an 11,567% return.

Final recommendations by profile:

Your Profile Best Option Typical Cost Why
Under 40, renting, estate under £50k Online guided £99-£192 Simple estate, cost priority
30-50, homeowner, estate under £300k, married with kids Online guided £99-£192 Straightforward, standard wishes
40-60, estate £300-500k, standard family Hybrid £199-£350 Near IHT threshold, want review
50+, estate over £500k Solicitor £500-£2,000 IHT planning ROI
Any age, business owner Solicitor £800-£5,000 Business succession complexity
Any age, blended family Solicitor £500-£1,500 Trust structures needed
Any age, disabled dependents Solicitor £650-£2,000 Specialist trust planning

Action steps to choose:

  1. Assess your estate complexity using criteria in previous sections
  2. Determine your budget and risk tolerance
  3. Use the decision framework to identify best option
  4. If unsure, start with free consultation (many solicitors offer 15-minute free calls) or use online service with money-back guarantee
  5. Get quotes from 2-3 providers in your chosen category
  6. Ask about total lifetime costs, not just upfront price

The right choice depends on three factors: estate complexity, budget, and risk tolerance. For straightforward estates, online wills deliver identical legal outcomes at lower cost. For complex estates, solicitor fees typically pay for themselves through tax savings and dispute prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a solicitor charge to write a will in the UK?

A: Solicitors typically charge £150-£260 for a simple single will, £200-£400 for mirror wills, and £500-£5,000+ for complex wills involving trusts or business assets. According to MoneyHelper, a simple will costs between £150 and £408, while complex wills with trusts or overseas property cost significantly more.

Q: Are online wills as legally valid as solicitor-prepared wills?

A: Yes, online wills are legally valid if they meet the same requirements under the Wills Act 1837. According to GOV.UK, you must be 18+, have testamentary capacity, sign voluntarily, make it in writing, and have two independent witnesses present when you sign. The method of preparation (online vs solicitor) doesn't affect legal validity—proper execution does.

Q: What protection do I get with a solicitor that I don't get with online wills?

A: Solicitors must carry professional indemnity insurance (minimum £2-3 million) regulated by the SRA, meaning you can claim compensation if they make errors. Most online services and will writers aren't regulated, offering no compensation route if mistakes occur. However, online wills prepared correctly by you are equally valid.

Q: When should I use a solicitor instead of an online will service?

A: Use a solicitor if you have complex assets (business interests, overseas property, agricultural land), need inheritance tax planning with trusts, have potential disputes (estranged family, mental capacity concerns), or blended family situations requiring careful asset distribution. Simple estates with straightforward wishes suit online services.

Q: How much do online will services cost in the UK?

A: Online will services range from £20-£30 for basic DIY kits to £99-£192 for guided platforms. WUHLD costs £99.99 for a complete will with expert guides. Some services like Farewill offer optional annual updates for £10/year. Free options exist through Free Wills Month (55+) and Will Aid (charity donation suggested).

Q: Can I start a will online and then have a solicitor review it?

A: Yes, this "unbundled" approach has grown from 4% in 2023 to 10% in 2025. You can draft your will using an online service, then pay a solicitor £100-£200 for a review. This works well for moderately complex estates where you understand your situation but want professional verification before execution.

Q: What are the hidden costs with solicitor wills?

A: Solicitors may charge extra for storage (£25-£100/year), updates/codicils (£50-£150 each), executor services (1-5% of estate value), home visits (£50-£150 travel fee), and complex drafting beyond the initial quote. Always request a complete fixed-fee quote including all services you'll need.

Conclusion

Understanding the true cost differences between solicitors and online will services empowers you to make an informed choice.

Key takeaways:

  • Solicitors (£150-£650+) suit complex estates, IHT planning, business interests, and high-stakes situations where professional indemnity insurance and bespoke advice justify the cost
  • Online services (£99-£192) deliver legally identical wills for straightforward estates—same validity under the Wills Act 1837, just different service models
  • Hybrid approach (£199-£350) offers middle ground: draft online, get solicitor review, saving £150-£300 while gaining professional verification
  • Decision criteria: Estate complexity (simple versus trusts/business/IHT), budget constraints, and risk tolerance (comfort with guided self-service versus full professional advice)
  • Hidden costs matter: Always ask about storage fees, update charges, executor fees, and subscriptions—lifetime costs often differ significantly from advertised prices

The right choice isn't about finding the cheapest or most expensive option—it's about honest assessment of your estate's complexity and your confidence level. For most UK families with straightforward wishes and estates under £325,000, online services provide identical legal protection at a fraction of solicitor costs. For complex estates involving tax planning, trusts, or business succession, solicitor fees typically pay for themselves many times over through savings and dispute prevention.

Need Help with Your Will?

Understanding the true cost of will creation helps you make an informed choice that balances your budget with your estate's complexity. For straightforward estates, guided online platforms like WUHLD deliver solicitor-quality legal validity at transparent, fixed pricing with no hidden fees.

Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete will (legally binding when properly executed and witnessed) 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.

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