Will Writing Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of writing a will in the UK. From £10 DIY kits to £1,500 solicitor-drafted trusts — find the right option for your situation.
Your Situation
Why You Need a Will
What Happens Without a Will (Intestacy)
If you die without a valid will in England and Wales, the intestacy rules decide who inherits your estate — and the results often surprise people. If you are married with children, your spouse gets the first £322,000 plus personal possessions, and everything above that is split 50/50 between spouse and children. If you are unmarried, your partner gets nothing at all, regardless of how long you have been together. Cohabiting couples have no automatic inheritance rights under UK law. This is one of the most common reasons people end up in financial difficulty after a bereavement — the surviving partner may need to sell the family home to satisfy the intestacy distribution.
When to Update Your Will
A will is not a write-once document. You should review and update it after any major life event: marriage (which automatically revokes any previous will), divorce, the birth of a child, buying property, receiving an inheritance, or if an executor or beneficiary dies. Many people write a will in their 30s and forget about it — by the time it is needed, it no longer reflects their wishes or circumstances. A simple codicil (amendment) can update minor changes, but for significant changes it is better to write a new will entirely.
Executors and Lasting Power of Attorney
Your executor is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes after you die. Choose someone you trust who is organised and willing to take on the role — it can involve months of paperwork, dealing with banks, HMRC, and the probate court. You can appoint a professional executor (solicitor or bank) but they will charge fees, typically 1–5% of the estate value. While you are thinking about end-of-life planning, also consider a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This is a separate legal document that lets someone make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity during your lifetime. There are two types: one for finances and one for health and welfare. An LPA costs £82 per document to register with the Office of the Public Guardian.