How Much Does a Solicitor Charge to Write a Will UK 2026?

If you have been putting off making a will because you are unsure about the cost, you are not alone. One of the most common questions people search for is “how much does a solicitor charge to write a will UK 2026?”. The answer depends on the complexity of your estate, where you live, and whether you need extras such as mirror wills, trusts, or tax planning advice.

In this guide, we break down the typical solicitor fees for will writing in the United Kingdom, explain what affects the price, compare solicitor-drafted wills with reputable online services, and help you decide which route is right for you.

Typical Solicitor Will Writing Fees in the UK

Solicitor fees vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and also between city centre firms and smaller high-street practices. The table below shows the typical cost ranges you can expect in 2026.

VAT is charged at the current rate, which is typically 20% for solicitor services. Always ask whether a quote is inclusive or exclusive of VAT. Some firms offer a fixed fee, while others charge based on the time spent. If your estate is straightforward, a fixed-fee will is usually better value.

What Affects the Cost of a Solicitor-Drafted Will?

Several factors influence how much you will pay:

• Complexity of your estate: More assets, overseas property, business interests, or investments mean more work.
• Family structure: Blended families, children from previous relationships, and dependent adults can require careful drafting.
• Tax planning: If your estate may be liable for Inheritance Tax, advice on exemptions, reliefs, and trusts adds to the cost.
• Trust provisions: Setting up a trust within your will is more complex than a simple gift of residue.
• Location: London and other major cities tend to charge higher fees than regional firms.
• Solicitor experience: A senior private client solicitor may charge more than a junior member of the team.
• Additional services: Will storage, property trust drafting, Lasting Power of Attorney, and estate administration are often sold separately.

Online Will Writing Services: A Lower-Cost Alternative

For people with straightforward estates, an online will writing service is significantly cheaper than a solicitor. These services use guided questionnaires to produce a legally valid will, and many include expert review.

Online will services are suitable for most standard circumstances, including leaving your estate to a spouse, children, or charities, and appointing guardians for minor children. They are not suitable for complex estates requiring tax planning, trusts, or bespoke legal advice.

Get a simple online will from Make a Will Online

Compare professional online wills at ActiveWills

Start your Farewill online will from £49

Solicitor vs Online Will: Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between a solicitor and an online will service depends on your circumstances. The table below sets out the main pros and cons.

Solicitor-Drafted Wills

Pros:

• Personal legal advice tailored to your situation
• Ideal for complex estates, trusts, business assets, and IHT planning
• Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales
• Professional indemnity insurance provides protection if something goes wrong
• Face-to-face service and ongoing support

Cons:

• Higher cost than online services
• Appointments may be needed during office hours
• Some firms charge hourly rather than offering a fixed fee
• Storage and updates may incur extra charges

Online Will Writing Services

Pros:

• Much cheaper than a solicitor
• Can be completed at home in 15–30 minutes
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Many services include expert review
• Unlimited or low-cost updates on some platforms

Cons:

• No personalised legal advice
• Not suitable for very complex estates
• You must follow the signing and witnessing instructions precisely
• Less protection than a regulated solicitor if disputes arise

Pros and Cons of Paying for a Solicitor to Write Your Will

When Is a Solicitor Worth the Extra Cost?

A solicitor is usually worth the investment if any of the following apply:

• Your estate is worth more than the Inheritance Tax nil-rate band (£325,000, or up to £500,000 with residence nil-rate band eligibility)
• You own a business, shares in a company, or agricultural property
• You have property abroad or assets in multiple countries
• You want to set up a trust for a child, disabled relative, or vulnerable beneficiary
• You have a complicated family situation, such as children from previous relationships
• You are concerned about a potential will dispute or a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
• You want advice on reducing Inheritance Tax or protecting your home from care fees

If none of these apply, an online will service is likely to be perfectly adequate and much more affordable.

How to Keep Solicitor Will Costs Down

If you decide to use a solicitor, there are ways to reduce the bill:

• Ask for a fixed fee rather than an hourly rate
• Prepare in advance by listing your assets, beneficiaries, executors, and guardians
• Consider a simple will if your circumstances do not require complex trusts
• Compare quotes from at least two or three local firms
• Ask about bundled services, such as a will plus Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Check whether Free Wills Month or Will Aid covers your situation

Free and Low-Cost Will Writing Options

If cost is a concern, several schemes can help:

• Free Wills Month: Available to people aged 55 and over, usually in March and October, participating solicitors write simple wills for free.
• Will Aid: Each November, participating solicitors write wills in return for a suggested donation to charity.
• Charity-specific schemes: Some charities, such as Cancer Research UK and Macmillan, offer free or discounted will writing in exchange for a legacy pledge.
• Trade unions and membership organisations: Some offer discounted will writing services to members.

These schemes are a good option if you meet the eligibility criteria, but demand is high and appointments can be limited.

FAQ: Solicitor Will Writing Costs in the UK

How much does a solicitor charge to write a simple will UK 2026?

For a simple, straightforward will, most solicitors in the UK charge between £150 and £300 plus VAT in 2026. Mirror wills for a couple typically cost between £250 and £500 plus VAT.

Are solicitor will writing fees fixed?

Some firms offer fixed fees for straightforward wills, but complex estates are usually charged based on the time spent. Always confirm whether the price is fixed or estimated before you instruct a solicitor.

Is it cheaper to write a will online?

Yes. Online will writing services typically cost between £29 and £55 for a single will, compared with £150–£300 for a solicitor. They are suitable for most straightforward estates.

Do I need a solicitor to make a legally valid will?

No. A will is legally valid if it is in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent adults who are not beneficiaries. Online services produce valid wills if the signing instructions are followed correctly.

Can a solicitor store my will?

Yes. Many solicitors offer secure will storage for an annual fee, usually between £10 and £50 per year. Some online services include free digital storage.

What is the average cost of mirror wills from a solicitor?

The average cost of simple mirror wills from a UK solicitor in 2026 is between £250 and £500 plus VAT. Complex mirror wills can cost £500 to £1,000 or more.

Should I pay for will storage?

It is important that your will can be found after your death. If your executors know where it is kept, free home storage in a safe place is acceptable. Professional storage reduces the risk of loss or damage.

Final Verdict

For 2026, solicitor will writing fees in the UK typically range from £150 to £300 plus VAT for a simple single will, and from £250 to £500 plus VAT for simple mirror wills. Complex estates, trusts, and tax planning can push the cost significantly higher.

If your circumstances are straightforward, an online will writing service can save you hundreds of pounds while still producing a legally valid will. Providers such as Farewill, Make a Will Online, and ActiveWills offer expert-reviewed wills at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor.

However, if your estate is complex, your family situation is unusual, or you need personalised tax or trust advice, paying a solicitor is likely to be money well spent. The extra cost buys regulated advice, professional indemnity insurance, and peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out correctly.