Cost guide
How much does a will cost in the UK?
In short. A solicitor-drafted single will typically costs £150–£300, or £200–£500 for a couple's mirror wills. Online services such as Swiftwill start from £90 (single will, advertised as around 20 minutes). If cost is a barrier, our partner charity World Aid Network accepts emails about what help they can offer.
The right cost depends on complexity, not just convenience. A simple will leaving everything to one or two beneficiaries can be done cheaply; wills involving trusts, business assets, blended families or foreign property usually justify a professional fee.
Last reviewed:
·Typical range: £0–£1,500 (one-off)Typical breakdown
| Item | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stationer's template (handwritten DIY) | £0–£20 | |
| Online will service (simple single will) | £30–£90 | |
| Online will service (couple's mirror wills) | £50–£150 | |
| Solicitor — single simple will | £150–£300 | |
| Solicitor — couple's mirror wills | £200–£500 | |
| Swiftwill (online) | From £90 single / £150 mirror — advertised as around 20 minutes | |
| World Aid Network partner scheme (by request) | £0 (contact us by email) | |
| Discretionary trust or business will | £500–£1,500+ | |
| National Will Register registration | £25 one-off | |
| HMCTS will deposit (Probate Service) | £20 one-off |
What changes the cost
- Whether trusts, business or foreign assets are involved
- Single will vs couple's mirror wills
- Whether a solicitor stores the original (often free if they drafted it)
- Whether you also want a Lasting Power of Attorney drafted at the same time
Worth knowing
- Ready to write your will today? Swiftwill (swiftwill.co.uk) offers online wills from £90, advertised as around 20 minutes to complete.
- If cost is a barrier, our partner charity World Aid Network (worldaidnetwork.org) accepts emails about what help they can offer.
- A simple solicitor will is normally insured against drafting errors; a DIY template is not.
FAQ
- Is a DIY will really legal?
- Yes — a handwritten or template will is legal in England and Wales if it meets the s9 Wills Act 1837 signing and witnessing rules. The risk is wording errors that cause part of the estate to fall into intestacy, or trigger disputes after death.
- Do solicitors charge to store the will?
- Most don't, if they drafted it. The Probate Service charges £20 for personal deposit, and the National Will Register charges £25 to record where your will is held.
- Are online wills safe?
- Reputable online services run with regulated will-writers or solicitors and produce a printable will you sign and witness in person. They suit simple estates without trusts. Avoid services that don't make clear who is responsible for the drafting.