How Much Does a Will Writer Cost? Why Choose a Will Writer Over a Solicitor
When it comes to planning for the future and ensuring your loved ones are protected, writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take. However, many people are unsure about the costs involved and whether to use a specialist will writer or a traditional solicitor. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of using a will writer and explore the compelling benefits they offer over solicitors.
Will Writer Costs: What to Expect
The cost of using a professional will writer varies depending on several factors, but you’ll generally find their services significantly more affordable than solicitors.
Typical Will Writer Pricing
Single Wills: Most will writers charge between £150-£300 for a straightforward single will. This typically includes a home visit, consultation, drafting, and finalisation of your will.
Mirror Wills for Couples: Joint or mirror wills for married couples or civil partners usually cost between £250-£450. These wills typically mirror each other’s wishes, with each spouse inheriting from the other.
Complex Wills: For more complex estates involving business interests, multiple properties, or intricate family situations, costs may range from £400-£800, though this is still considerably less than solicitor fees.
What’s Included in the Service
Most professional will writers include the following in their standard fee:
- Initial consultation (often in your home)
- Professional advice on will structure
- Drafting of your will
- Review and amendments
- Witnessing and execution of the final document
- Storage of the original will
- Registration with the National Will Register
The Benefits of Using a Will Writer Over a Solicitor
1. Significant Cost Savings
The most obvious advantage is cost. Solicitors typically charge £200-£500 per hour for will writing services, with simple wills often costing £500-£1,200 and complex wills reaching £1,500-£3,000 or more. Will writers offer fixed-fee services that are typically 50-70% less expensive than solicitor fees.
2. Specialist Expertise
Will writers specialise exclusively in wills, estate planning, and inheritance matters. This focused expertise means they’re often more up-to-date with the latest legislation, tax implications, and best practices than general practice solicitors who handle wills alongside other legal matters.
3. Personal, Convenient Service
Most will writers offer home visits, allowing you to discuss your wishes in the comfort and privacy of your own home. This personal approach means you can take your time, involve family members in discussions, and avoid the formal, sometimes intimidating atmosphere of a solicitor’s office.
4. Faster Turnaround Times
Because will writing is their primary focus, professional will writers typically complete the process much faster than solicitors. While solicitors might take weeks or even months to draft a will, will writers often complete the process within 7-14 days.
5. Transparent, Fixed Pricing
Will writers typically offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before the process begins, unlike solicitors who may bill by the hour with costs that can spiral unpredictably.
6. Accessibility and Availability
Many will writers offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. They’re often more accessible for follow-up questions and tend to provide more personalized customer service than busy solicitor practices.
7. Comprehensive Estate Planning Approach
Professional will writers often provide additional services such as:
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Inheritance tax planning advice
- Trust creation and management
- Regular will reviews and updates
- Probate services
When Might You Need a Solicitor Instead?
While will writers are suitable for most situations, there are some complex circumstances where a solicitor might be necessary:
- Disputed inheritance issues or family conflicts
- International assets or complex overseas arrangements
- Significant business interests requiring specialized legal structures
- Unusual or highly complex family situations
- Cases involving potential legal challenges
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
For the majority of people, a professional will writer offers the perfect combination of expertise, convenience, and value for money. They provide the specialised knowledge needed to create a legally sound will while offering a more personal, affordable service than traditional solicitors.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Will Writer
- Do they carry professional indemnity insurance?
- What qualifications and experience do they have?
- Do they offer ongoing support and will storage services?
- Can they provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
Conclusion
Writing a will is an investment in your family’s future security, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Professional will writers offer an excellent alternative to solicitors, providing specialist expertise at a fraction of the cost. With their focus on personal service, transparent pricing, and deep knowledge of estate planning, will writers make the process of securing your legacy both affordable and straightforward.
Don’t let cost concerns prevent you from protecting your loved ones. With will writer services starting from just £150, there’s no excuse for not having a professionally drafted will in place. The peace of mind and security it provides for your family is truly priceless.
Remember to choose a qualified, insured will writer to ensure you receive the highest standard of service and protection.