Making a will is not just for the wealthy. It is essential for anyone who wants control over what happens to their assets, dependants and legacy. Yet a common question stops many people in their tracks: how much to make a will? The answer is: There is no fixed fees for will making, and a lot of factors are involved in determining costs.
This refreshed guide sets out realistic prices for England and Wales, explains what drives the price up or down, and shows how to protect your family without overspending.
Remember that figures below are average costs rather than fixed quotes. Prices vary by provider, region and the complexity of your affairs, so always ask for a written breakdown before you commit.
How Much to Make a Will: The Quick Answer
For most people in England and Wales, the cost of a will falls into three broad bands. A DIY kit is cheapest, an online will writing service sits in the middle, and a solicitor drafted will costs the most but carries the strongest protection.
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Route
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Typical cost
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Best for
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DIY kit or template
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£20–£100
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Very simple estates
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Online will writing service (with review)
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£50–£200
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Straightforward needs on a budget
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Solicitor drafted will (single will)
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£150–£400
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Families, property owners
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Mirror wills (couple)
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£150–£500
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Couples with matching wishes
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Trust or tax planning will
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£400–£1,500+
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Complex assets
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Treat these as a guide to the cost in the UK rather than a price list. A will that looks cheap can become expensive if it fails and your estate passes under the intestacy rules.
Understanding the Types of Wills in England and Wales
Before you decide how much to make a will, it helps to know which type suits you. Each serves a different purpose and has its own cost implications.
1. Simple Will or Basic Will
A simple will, often called one of the basic wills, names executors and beneficiaries and appoints guardians if you have minor children. It is a straightforward legal document for people with uncomplicated finances.
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Who it suits: individuals with a simple estate, few beneficiaries and no complex financial arrangements.
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Typical cost: £80–£250, depending on whether you use a kit, an online service or a basic solicitor package.
2. Single Will for One Person
A single will is written for one individual only, reflecting that person’s own wishes. It is the right choice if your wishes differ from your partner’s, or if you want to keep your arrangements private.
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Who it suits: individuals, divorced or widowed people, and couples who want different outcomes.
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Typical cost: £100–£300 through a solicitor or regulated will writer.
3. Mirror Wills for Couples
Mirror wills are usually made by married couples or civil partners who leave their estate to each other first and then to the same beneficiaries, typically their children. They are two separate wills with matching terms, not one joint document.
Mirror wills are cost effective, but they are not right for everyone. Our guide to the pros and cons of mirror wills explains the flexibility risks, including the survivor changing their will after the first death.
4. Trust Wills
A trust will gives more detailed control over how and when beneficiaries inherit. Trusts are useful for blended families, protecting property, or supporting someone who lacks capacity.
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Who it suits: people with more complex wills, care concerns or blended families.
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Typical cost: £350–£1,500, depending on complexity and solicitor fees.
5. Living Will (Advance Decision)
A living will is not a will in the traditional sense. It records your wishes about medical treatment if you lose capacity. It does not deal with money, but it is often prepared alongside a traditional will.
Which Factors Contribute Will Writing Costs in 2026?
When asking how much to make a will, the type of will is only part of the picture. The final will writing costs depend on how, where and with whom you have it made. These key considerations helps you avoid overpaying, or underestimating the legal work involved.
1. Complexity of Your Estate and Complex Situations
A simple estate with one home and a few bank accounts is far cheaper to deal with than complex estates involving:
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Multiple properties
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Business assets and wider business interests
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Overseas assets or foreign assets
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Beneficiaries who are vulnerable or have special needs
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Agricultural property that may qualify for tax reliefs
The more complex situations your estate involves, the more legal expertise is needed, and the higher the drafting time and price. Owning foreign assets can complicate will drafting and increase fees.
2. Method of Will Creation
There are three main ways to create a will, each with a different price and risk profile.
a. DIY Will Kits and Templates
DIY will kits cost between £10 and £30.
b. Online Will Writing Service
An online will writing service guides you through questions and produces a draft. Better online services include a legal review.
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Cost: £50–£200
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Pros: more affordable than a solicitor, guided process
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Cons: limited personalisation and not suited to nuanced needs
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Best for: budget-conscious people with basic requirements
c. Solicitor Drafted Will
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Cost: £150–£1,500+
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Pros: tailored professional advice, stronger validity checks, storage and support
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Cons: highest cost
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Best for: families with dependants, multiple properties, trusts or inheritance tax concerns
3. Geographic Location
Regional differences can increase costs by 15-25% in London. Firms in London and wealthier parts of the south east often charge more than those in smaller towns. If you are comparing local options, it is worth speaking to a firm with a regional presence such as immigration solicitors in Manchester, who can point you towards the right specialist for wills and estate matters.
4. Bundled Estate Planning Services
Many firms bundle estate planning with will drafting, including a lasting power of attorney, trust set up or tax planning. These packages improve long-term legal protection but increase the upfront price.
5. Urgency and Home Visits
Urgent drafting for terminal illness or international travel can attract surcharges for fast turnaround, weekend work or in-home appointments.
6. Storage Fees and Updating
Some will providers offer secure storage for an annual charge and may charge for later changes.
Is Your Will Legally Valid? What the Law Requires
Whatever you pay, a will only works if it is legally valid. GOV.UK sets out that for a will to be legally valid you must be 18 or over, make it voluntarily, be of sound mind, make it in writing, and sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are both over 18. The witnesses must then sign in your presence.
The formal rules come from the Wills Act 1837. Section 9 of the Wills Act requires the signature to be made or acknowledged in front of two witnesses present at the same time. The Wills Act applies to every valid will in England and Wales, however it was drafted, including documents produced by online services.
Two practical points catch people out:
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Witnesses cannot benefit. If a witness or their spouse is left a gift, that gift fails, even though the will itself can remain legally binding.
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Video witnessing has ended. Temporary pandemic rules allowed remote witnessing for wills made up to 31 January 2024, so witnesses should now be physically present.
At Salam Immigration, we often remind clients who are new to the UK that a will signed abroad or by video may not carry the legal weight they expect here. Getting the signing right is usually the cheapest part of the process and the most important.
DIY vs Professional: What You Really Pay For
The choice between writing your own will and hiring a professional is about more than the upfront price. It is about risk, legal strength and peace of mind. A cheap will can cost your family far more later in court costs, family disputes or probate complications.
DIY Wills: The Cheapest Option, but at What Cost?
You can write your own will, and GOV.UK says you can write your will yourself, but you should get advice if your will is not straightforward. DIY kits typically cost £20 to £50, but the cons include:
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No professional advice on wording, structure or legality.
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Easy to invalidate through incorrect witnessing, vague terms or a missing signature.
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Often fails to cover guardianship, trusts or inheritance tax.
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Home-made documents are a frequent source of disputes. If that worries you, read how to contest a will to see the grounds that can be raised.
Professional Wills: Higher Cost, Higher Protection
A solicitor drafted will or a regulated will writer brings professional advice, correct execution and future-proofing. You typically get:
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Tailored advice for your personal circumstances
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Valid execution and proper witnessing
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Inheritance tax planning where relevant
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Trust structures if needed
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Guardian arrangements for minor children
Midway Option: Hybrid Online Services
Hybrid providers offer digitally drafted wills reviewed by a solicitor, striking a balance between cost and protection.
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Cost: £90–£250
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Includes: online questions, solicitor review and live support
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Good for: moderate estates that do not need bespoke tax planning advice
Choosing Between Solicitors, Will Writers and Will Providers
Not every will writer is regulated in the same way, so check credentials before you pay. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and a firm should be able to confirm its SRA number on request. Many solicitors also belong to professional bodies and follow set complaints procedures.
Whichever route you choose, ask each of the will providers you shortlist:
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Do you carry professional indemnity insurance, and can you show proof?
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Who will draft and check the will, and what legal expertise do they have?
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Are your solicitor fees fixed, and what do they include?
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What are the storage fees, and what happens if you close?
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Is there a free initial consultation so I can understand the legal fees before I commit?
Well-known brands such as co op legal services and other national will writing services often publish fixed prices, which makes comparison easier. Local firms may be more flexible for complex estates. A firm that is willing to carry professional indemnity insurance and explain it plainly is usually a safer choice than one that avoids the question.
If you are unsure about a provider’s service, check whether it has a clear route for concerns. For example, you can see how a regulated firm sets out its own complaints procedure as a benchmark for what to expect.
How Much Does It Cost to Update a Will?
Creating a will is not a one-off task. A major life event usually means your will needs to be reviewed, and updating costs far less than starting from scratch.
When Should You Update Your Will?
You should review your will every 3-5 years. These events should trigger a review:
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Marriage or civil partnership. GOV.UK explains that you can update your will with a codicil or by making a new will, and marriage generally cancels an earlier will unless it was made in expectation of the marriage.
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Divorce, which removes your former partner as a beneficiary but may not change everything else.
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The birth of children or grandchildren.
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Buying or selling property.
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Starting or closing a business.
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Moving abroad or acquiring overseas assets.
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A change of executors or guardians.
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An inheritance or financial windfall.
Typical Update Costs
Via a solicitor:
Via online services:
DIY amendments are strongly discouraged. A single misplaced word or missing signature on an amendment can undermine the previous will, even if professionally made. Low-cost, solicitor-reviewed online services are a safer way to keep costs down.
Subscription Models for Ongoing Updates
Some providers now offer will maintenance plans at around £20–£50 per year. These often include unlimited updates, secure storage, an annual review and reminders after life changes.
Additional Costs Involved When Making a Will
Even after choosing a will type and provider, several associated costs can push the total above the headline price. These extras are rarely advertised, yet the costs involved can make a real difference.
1. Will Storage Fees
Secure storage protects your will from loss, damage or tampering. Typical options include:
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Solicitor storage: often free for an initial period, then £20–£50 per year.
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Bank deposit box: £40–£150 per year, though not always easy to access after death.
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National Will Register style listing: around £30–£50 one-off to record where your will is kept.
Keeping an original at home is possible, but it risks loss or damage, so tell your executor where it is.
2. Witnessing Costs
If you cannot arrange two independent witnesses, some services provide them for a fee.
3. Digital Asset Planning
Online accounts, cryptocurrency and cloud-based photos are now part of many estates. Add-on services such as a digital asset inventory (£40–£100) or secure vault access (£20–£60 per year) help your family gain access later.
4. Probate Fees and Executor Services
When someone dies, the estate is settled through probate. If your will names a professional executor, the fee is typically a percentage of the estate value, often between 1.5% and 5%. On a £400,000 estate that could be £6,000 to £20,000. Separate probate fees also apply when the executors apply for the grant.
Your chosen executors carry real responsibility, so see our executor of will responsibilities checklist before you decide who to appoint.
Inheritance Tax and Tax Planning Advice
Inheritance tax is often the main reason people pay for a more advanced will. Inheritance tax is charged at a flat 40% when a net estate exceeds the nil-rate band, which is set at £325,000 for 2026/27. The same House of Commons Library briefing notes that the threshold has been held at that level since April 2009.
Several allowances can raise the amount your family keeps:
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A transferable allowance can lift a surviving spouse’s threshold to £650,000.
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A residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 may apply where a home passes to direct descendants.
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Gifts to charity can reduce the rate on the remainder of the estate to 36% where the charity test is met.
Anyone whose estate value is close to these limits should take professional advice on inheritance tax exposure. Basic tax planning advice often costs £50–£250, while advanced structuring with trusts can cost £500–£2,000 or more. Some will writing services include limited guidance, while others charge separately, so ask what is covered. Financial advisors can also help you model the effect of gifts, pensions and insurance on your estate.
If you own agricultural property or run a company, reliefs may apply, but only if your will and ownership structure are set up correctly. That is another reason to choose professional advice over a template.
Foreign Assets, Overseas Assets and Cross-Border Wills
If you own property or hold citizenship abroad, you may need a separate will for each country, or a will drafted with the other jurisdiction in mind. This avoids conflicts of law and delays in probate.
This is particularly relevant for people who have moved to the UK, hold dual nationality or split their time between countries. At Salam Immigration, with more than 20 years of experience supporting international clients, we regularly see how immigration status, residence and family ties interact with estate planning, so it is sensible to raise these points early with whichever adviser drafts your will.
Complex Estates and Business Succession Planning
If you own a company, handle complex estates or have other business interests, your will needs to say what happens to them. Without clear instructions, the business can be frozen while the estate is sorted out, which harms staff, customers and your family.
Cover the following points for estate complexity in the will:
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Who will run or sell the business, and who holds the shares
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How business assets and personal assets are separated
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Any shareholder or partnership agreement that overrides the will
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Tax reliefs and cash needed to pay any inheritance tax
Good business succession planning and asset distribution usually cost more than a standard will, often £500–£1,500 depending on trusts and agreements. It is money well spent compared with the cost of a disputed succession.
How Salam Immigration Can Help
Salam Immigration is an immigration practice, so our focus is on UK visas and immigration appeals rather than drafting wills.
Where your family’s situation involves both, for example making a mirror will with partner on a marriage visa or work visa, our services can support the immigration side of your planning. Read the following for further guidance on the topic:
With more than 23,000 immigration applications handled since 2018, and consultations available in person, by phone or online, we can help you plan with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much to make a will with a solicitor in 2026?
A solicitor drafted will typically costs between £150 and £1,500, depending on the complexity of your estate, your location and whether you need trust clauses or inheritance tax advice. For straightforward wills expect about £150–£300, while more complex wills with trusts or property clauses cost significantly more.
How much to make a will online?
Online services generally cost between £20 and £250. The cheaper end offers basic templates, while premium services include solicitor review. To keep costs low without risking validity, choose a mid-tier platform with professional oversight.
How much to make a will if I have children?
A will with guardian clauses and minor trusts usually costs £250 to £600, depending on whether you go online or use a solicitor. It is worth the money because it names who will care for your children. Stepchildren receive no inheritance unless legally adopted.
How much do mirror wills cost for a couple?
Mirror wills typically cost £150 to £500 through a solicitor or regulated will writer, and online joint packages may start at around £120 with basic features. Unmarried partners inherit nothing under intestacy rules and a will is mandatory for them.
How much to make a will during Free Wills Month?
During Free Wills Month, eligible people aged 55 or over can have a simple will written at no charge through participating charities and solicitors. The free wills month scheme runs in March and October, and appointments fill quickly. Outside promotional periods, charity schemes may cost £90–£150 for a basic will.
How much to make a will and lasting power of attorney together?
Bundled packages for a will and lasting power of attorney start from around £400 for one person and rise to £800–£1,500 for a couple with both documents.
Ready to Secure Your Future?
Knowing how much to make a will is only the first step. Taking action protects your family, your assets and your peace of mind. If your plans involve moving to the UK, settling here or bringing family over, speak to our team about the immigration side of your journey.
Contact Salam Immigration today to book a consultation in person, by phone or online.
