How Much Does a Solicitor Charge to Write a Will UK 2026?
How Much Does a Solicitor Charge to Write a Will UK 2026?
If you are putting off making a will because you are unsure what it will cost, you are not alone. One of the most common estate planning questions typed into Google right now is “how much does a solicitor charge to write a will UK 2026”. Prices vary widely depending on where you live, how complex your estate is, and whether you need a single will, mirror wills, or a trust.
This guide breaks down typical solicitor fees, compares them with online will writing services, and explains when paying for a solicitor is worth the extra money.
What is the average cost of a solicitor-written will in 2026?
Most high-street solicitors in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland charge between £150 and £300 plus VAT for a straightforward single will. A simple will usually covers:
- Naming executors and trustees
- Appointing guardians for minor children
- Listing specific gifts and legacies
- Dividing the residue of the estate
- Funeral wishes and basic instructions
If your situation is more complex, for example, you own a business, have overseas assets, or want to set up a trust to protect property or vulnerable beneficiaries, fees can rise to £500 to £1,500 plus VAT or more.
Mirror wills and joint wills
Couples often ask about the cost of mirror wills. These are two separate wills that reflect each other, usually leaving everything to the surviving partner and then to the same final beneficiaries. Solicitor fees for mirror wills typically range from £300 to £600 plus VAT for the pair.
Solicitor will writing fees compared
| Type of will | Typical solicitor fee (excl. VAT) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Simple single will | £150 – £300 | Single people with straightforward estates |
| Mirror wills for a couple | £300 – £600 | Married or cohabiting couples with shared wishes |
| Complex will with trust | £500 – £1,500+ | Property protection, business assets, IHT planning |
| Will review or amendment | £50 – £150 per change | Updating beneficiaries, executors, or guardians |
| Home visit by solicitor | Extra £50 – £200 | Elderly clients or those with mobility issues |
VAT is charged at the standard rate, currently 20% in the UK, so add roughly one-fifth to these figures when budgeting.
Why do solicitor prices vary so much?
Solicitor will writing fees depend on several factors:
- Location. Firms in London and the South East often charge more than firms in the North of England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
- Complexity. The more assets, beneficiaries, and conditions you include, the longer the drafting takes.
- Regulation. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and must carry professional indemnity insurance. That oversight costs money but also protects you.
- Specialist advice. Tax planning, inheritance tax mitigation, and trust creation require specialist knowledge and attract higher fees.
Are online wills cheaper than solicitors?
Yes. Online will writing services typically cost between £20 and £150 for a single will and between £50 and £250 for mirror wills. These services suit people with simple estates who are comfortable answering questions online and do not need personalised legal advice.
Popular UK online will services
| Service | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Make a Will Online | From around £30 | Simple, affordable single and mirror wills |
| ActiveWills | Competitive online packages | Fast, straightforward will drafting |
| Farewill | Low fixed fee | Telephone support and easy online process |
These services are convenient, but they are not law firms. They cannot give tailored legal advice on inheritance tax, trusts, or complex family arrangements.
Pros and cons of using a solicitor
Pros
- Personalised legal advice tailored to your family and finances
- Regulated profession with professional indemnity insurance
- Suitable for complex estates, businesses, trusts, and tax planning
- Will is usually stored securely by the firm
- Executors have a professional point of contact after your death
Cons
- More expensive than online alternatives
- Appointments may be needed during office hours
- Some firms still use paper-based processes that slow things down
- Home visits or travel time can add to the bill
Pros and cons of online will writing
Pros
- Much cheaper than a solicitor
- Can be completed at home in under 30 minutes
- Many providers offer telephone or chat support
- Mirror wills and updates are usually straightforward
Cons
- No bespoke legal advice
- May not be suitable for complex estates or blended families
- You are responsible for printing, signing, and witnessing correctly
- Storage and probate support may be limited or charged separately
When should you pay for a solicitor?
A solicitor is usually the safer choice if any of the following apply:
- You own property abroad or have significant overseas investments
- You want to set up a trust, for example, for a disabled child or to protect a family home
- Your estate may be liable for inheritance tax
- You are separated, divorced, or have children from multiple relationships
- You own a business or are a partner in a business
- You want to exclude someone who might otherwise expect to inherit
- You are concerned about someone challenging the will after your death
In these situations, the cost of professional advice is often small compared with the cost of mistakes, disputes, or unnecessary tax.
When is an online will good enough?
An online will is usually sufficient if:
- Your estate is small and straightforward
- You want to leave everything to a spouse, partner, or children
- You do not need a trust or tax planning
- You understand the signing and witnessing rules
- You are comfortable reviewing the document yourself
If you are unsure, some people start with an online will and later upgrade to a solicitor-drafted will once their assets or family situation become more complicated.
How to keep your will writing costs down
- Prepare before you book. Write a list of assets, debts, beneficiaries, and guardians to reduce the time a solicitor spends gathering information.
- Ask for a fixed fee. Many firms offer fixed-fee wills, so you know the exact cost upfront.
- Compare local solicitors. Fees vary. Ring two or three firms and ask for a written quote.
- Consider Will Aid or Free Wills Month. These charity campaigns offer reduced-cost or free wills through participating solicitors in exchange for a charity donation.
- Use a regulated online provider for simple estates. This can save hundreds of pounds while still producing a legally valid will.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a solicitor charge to write a will in 2026?
A simple single will written by a solicitor in the UK typically costs between £150 and £300 plus VAT. Mirror wills for a couple usually cost £300 to £600 plus VAT. Complex wills with trusts or tax planning can cost £500 to ££1,500 or more.
Is it cheaper to write a will online?
Yes. Online will services generally cost between £20 and £150 for a single will, making them much cheaper than most solicitors. However, they are best suited to simple estates.
Do solicitor will prices include VAT?
Usually no. Most quotes are excluding VAT, so the final bill will be 20% higher. Always ask whether a quote includes VAT before you proceed.
Are online wills legally valid in the UK?
Yes, if they are properly drafted, signed, and witnessed in line with the Wills Act 1837. The key risk is not the document itself, but using an unsuitable template for a complex situation.
Should I use a solicitor or an online service?
Use a solicitor for complex estates, trusts, business assets, inheritance tax concerns, or potential family disputes. Use a regulated online service for simple, straightforward estates.
Final thoughts
The cost of a solicitor-written will in the UK in 2026 depends on complexity and location, but a basic will is usually affordable. The most important thing is not the price tag; it is making sure your will is valid and reflects your wishes.
If your situation is simple, an online provider such as Make a Will Online, ActiveWills, or Farewill can save you money. If your affairs are more complex, paying a regulated solicitor is usually money well spent.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up for a service after clicking one, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Legal disclaimer: This website provides information about will writing services. We are not solicitors and do not provide legal advice.