Why Do Will Costs Vary So Much? Here’s What You Need to Know

Why Do Will Costs Vary So Much? Here’s What You Need to Know

Not all will services are equal. See how pricing reflects support and quality.

When you first start looking into writing a will, one of the most confusing things is the price.

You’ll find some advertised for £20, others quoted at several hundred, and if you don’t deal with this sort of thing regularly, it’s hard to know what the difference really is.

Let’s break it down so you can see what you’re paying for, and just as importantly, what you might not be getting if the price seems too good to be true.

What Do You Want from a Will Writing Service?

Everyone's situation is different, and so are their priorities. Before diving into the details, it can help to think about what really matters to you or your family.

What describes your needs best:

☐ I need someone to visit me at home (or visit an elderly parent or relative)
☐ I’m happy to speak over the phone or via video call
☐ I’d like appointments outside of standard office hours
☐ I want someone who can explain things clearly, without legal jargon
☐ My situation is straightforward — I just need a basic will
☐ Things are a bit more complicated — for example, second marriages or stepchildren
☐ I want the option to include trusts, or plan around care fees
☐ I want to know the price upfront, with no hidden charges later
☐ I’d like to make changes after seeing a draft — without being made to feel awkward
☐ I want someone qualified to spot things I might not have thought about

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Knowing what matters to you makes it easier to choose a service that fits your needs, not just your budget.

Why Do Prices Say “From”?

You will often see will writing services listed with the word “from” before the price. This is because the cost of a will depends on the level of detail and complexity involved.

Some people have straightforward wishes, such as leaving everything to a partner or a single beneficiary, with perhaps one or two simple gifts.

Others may need to think about children from previous relationships, planning for care fees, business or overseas assets, or setting up trusts for young or vulnerable family members.

The structure of a will can also change when there are multiple beneficiaries, specific conditions, or substitute beneficiaries to name in case someone passes away before you.

Many people also want to include “what if” scenarios to cover different outcomes. This is perfectly sensible, but it does mean the will may take more time and expertise to draft.

Once all of these details are known, it is much easier for a professional to give a clear and accurate idea of cost.

Some providers are transparent and stick to the price they quote. Others may start with a low headline figure and add extra charges as the process continues. It is worth checking how fees are structured, and whether everything is included, before you go ahead.

What Can Push the Price Beyond the “From”

☐ You are naming multiple beneficiaries and multiple specific gifts to several people
☐ You want to include substitute beneficiaries in case someone dies before you
☐ You would like to include “what if” scenarios or other conditional clauses
☐ You have children from a previous relationship or a blended family that you want to protect
☐ You want to include trusts for children, grandchildren, or vulnerable people
☐ You own a business or have property or assets overseas
☐ You need provisions for care fee planning or protecting your share of a property
☐ You would like additional meetings, more time, or a home visit

The Bottom Line

Before you choose a will writing service, take a moment to think about what you really need.

What do you want your will to do?

Who do you need it to protect?

Do you want guidance, reassurance, or someone to explain things clearly?

Would a home visit help, or do you need someone who can take the time to talk through a sensitive situation?

Will writing is not a regulated profession in England and Wales, so it is important to check the credentials of whoever you are trusting with something this important. Ask what legal qualifications they have, whether they belong to a professional body, and take a look at their reviews. A good provider will never rush you, pressure you, or make you feel like your questions are a nuisance.

This is not just paperwork. It is your voice, carried forward, and it should reflect what matters most to you.