Financial Planning

How Much Does a Will Cost in the UK? And Why You Need One

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More than half of UK adults don't have a will. If you die without one, the intestacy rules determine who gets your estate — and they may not match your wishes. Your partner of 10 years may get nothing if you're not married. Your children could inherit everything at 18 regardless of readiness. A basic will costs as little as £100 and can save your family enormous stress, delays, and money.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestacy)

In England and Wales, the intestacy rules have a fixed hierarchy. Married partners/civil partners inherit first (up to £322,000 plus half the remainder), then children share the rest. Crucially: unmarried partners receive nothing regardless of the length of the relationship. Stepchildren are excluded unless formally adopted. Cohabiting couples with children in blended families face complex, costly legal disputes. Scotland has different rules (prior rights and legal rights).

How Much Does a Will Cost?

Costs vary by complexity and route: DIY will writing services (Farewill, Wills.com, etc.) cost £90–£150 for a basic will. High street solicitors typically charge £150–£300 for a single will, £250–£500 for a mirror will (couple making identical wills). Specialist solicitors for complex estates (multiple properties, business interests, international assets) charge £500–£2,000+. The Law Society's 'Free Wills Month' (March/October) offers free wills for over-55s through participating solicitors.
  • •Online DIY: £90–£150 (simple estates, no complications)
  • •High street solicitor: £150–£300 per will
  • •Mirror wills (couple): £250–£500 total
  • •Complex estates: £500–£2,000+ with specialist solicitor
  • •Free Wills Month: free for over-55s twice a year

What Your Will Should Include

A standard will should specify: an executor (the person who administers your estate), beneficiaries and what they receive, specific bequests (jewellery, property, sentimental items), guardians for minor children (critical for parents), funeral wishes (though not legally binding), and what happens if a beneficiary dies before you. Review your will every 5 years or after major life events — marriage revokes a previous will, but divorce does not automatically remove an ex-spouse as beneficiary.
Can I write my own will without a solicitor?+

Yes — a handwritten or typed will is legally valid if signed correctly (by you and two independent witnesses who also sign). However, DIY errors are common and can invalidate the will or create ambiguity. Online services offer a cheap middle ground with some legal support.

Does a will avoid probate?+

No — most estates require probate (legal authority to administer the estate) whether there's a will or not. But having a valid will significantly speeds up probate and reduces disputes.

Digital Assets in Your Will

In 2026, don't forget digital assets: cryptocurrency holdings, online investment accounts, digital photo libraries, social media accounts, and domain names all need to be addressed. These can't be directly left in a will (passwords in a will become public via probate), but you should leave a separate document with a trusted person explaining how to access accounts — a 'digital legacy document'. Services like Keybase, Bitwarden Emergency Access, or a sealed letter with a solicitor can work.
#will UK#estate planning#solicitor costs#intestacy rules#life admin

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