Will writing cost in the UK
A basic single will drafted by a UK solicitor costs £150–£300 plus VAT in 2026. Mirror wills for a couple typically cost £250–£500. Online services such as Farewill and Co-op Legal Services start from £30–£100. Complex wills involving testamentary trusts, business assets or non-UK property usually cost £400–£800 with a solicitor.
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Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Basic single will — solicitor + VAT | £150–£300 |
Mirror wills (couple) — solicitor + VAT | £250–£500 |
Will with testamentary trust + VAT | £400–£800 |
Online will service (Farewill, etc.) | £30–£100 |
Free wills (Will Aid Nov, Free Wills Month Oct) via charity scheme | — |
Will storage annual fee | £10–£30/yr |
Will review / update | £75–£200 |
Factors affecting cost
- ·Estate complexity — trusts, foreign assets and business interests increase cost.
- ·Whether the will incorporates an Asset Protection Trust or NRB discretionary trust.
- ·Mirror wills are cheaper per person than two separate wills.
- ·Solicitor seniority and whether the firm includes annual reviews.
- ·Whether the firm names itself as executor (often free upfront but costs the estate 1–5% later).
How to reduce costs
- ·Use Will Aid (November) or Free Wills Month (October/March) for a solicitor-drafted will in exchange for a charity donation.
- ·Online wills are valid in England and Wales if properly witnessed and suitable for simple estates.
- ·Avoid 'free' wills where the firm appoints itself executor — probate fees can swallow £5,000+.
- ·Couples should always opt for mirror wills together — it's cheaper and ensures consistency.
- ·Review your will after any major life event (marriage, divorce, child, property purchase).
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to write a will in the UK?▾
£150–£300 with a solicitor, £30–£100 online, or free via Will Aid in November. Complex wills with trusts cost £400–£800.
Are online wills legally valid in the UK?▾
Yes, provided they are signed and witnessed correctly under the Wills Act 1837 (two adult witnesses present at signing). They are suitable for simple estates.
Should couples write mirror wills?▾
Usually yes — mirror wills cost £250–£500 with a solicitor and ensure consistent provision. Each partner has their own document, but they mirror each other's terms.
Does marriage cancel my will?▾
Yes, under English law marriage revokes any existing will unless it was specifically made 'in contemplation of marriage'. Civil partnerships work the same way.
What is a will trust and is it worth the extra cost?▾
A testamentary trust within a will can protect assets for vulnerable beneficiaries, ring-fence inheritance from a beneficiary's divorce, or use the nil-rate band efficiently. Extra cost £150–£400 — usually worthwhile for estates over £325,000.
Related UK legal cost guides
Sources & how we estimate
Fee ranges are typical UK figures compiled by ModernExpert.AI from published solicitor price lists (required under SRA transparency rules) and are estimates, not quotes. Court and government fees and legal processes come from the official sources below. This is general information, not legal advice.
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate
- GOV.UK — Make a lasting power of attorney
- GOV.UK — Making a will
- Solicitors Regulation Authority — Price transparency rules
- Law Society — Find a solicitor
- Legal Ombudsman — Complaints about legal services
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