Which Will Writing Service Is Right for You? A Guide to the Main Options

Choosing a Will Writing Service: What You Need to Know About the Options

When it comes to writing a will, the number of options available can feel overwhelming. From DIY kits at the supermarket to glossy websites offering “quick and easy” wills for £20, to high street solicitors and independent professionals, how do you know which one to choose?

The truth is, not all will writing services are created equal. Some are absolutely fine for straightforward situations. Others can leave your loved ones with serious problems later.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of will writing providers. We’ll explain what each one offers, what to watch out for, and the real differences in cost, quality, and legal protection.

No scare tactics. No hard sell. Just useful information to help you make a confident, informed decision.

DIY Kits: Cheap and Quick, But Risky

DIY will kits are easy to find online or in high street shops and often cost less than a takeaway. For people with very simple wishes, they can seem like a practical solution. You can fill them in at home, in your own time, and avoid having to speak with anyone.

But a will only gets tested when you're no longer here to explain what you meant. If something is unclear or done incorrectly, it may not hold up when it matters most.

We saw this happen with a close family friend. Her mother used a DIY will, believing it would be enough to get her affairs in order. Unfortunately, the wording contradicted itself. Solicitors had to step in to try and make sense of what was intended. They charged by the hour, and over time, legal costs built up. By the end, the estate had been completely depleted. The two children left without their mother, who were still children at the time, received nothing.

In another case, an elderly lady with no close family had been cared for by her neighbour for many years. She completed a DIY will leaving everything to that neighbour, but it had not been signed or witnessed correctly. Legally, it was invalid. Her estate was instead passed to distant relatives she hadn’t seen in decades. The neighbour was devastated. Not just because of what was lost, but because her friend’s wishes couldn’t be honoured.

Even small errors can have major consequences.

DIY Wills: Benefits vs Dangers

The benefits:
☐ Low upfront cost
☐ Quick to complete at home
☐ No need for appointments
☐ May suit very basic arrangements

The dangers:
☐ High risk of invalidity if not signed or witnessed properly
☐ Unclear wording can cause disputes
☐ No one to guide you if something is missed
☐ Not suitable for more complex circumstances
☐ Mistakes can result in legal costs or unintended outcomes

Low-Cost Wills: Appealing, But Often Misleading

Some companies advertise wills starting from as little as £20. On the surface, it sounds appealing with clear pricing, a quick process, and an easy way to get something in place. But in practice, it is rarely that simple.

We’ve spoken to some of these companies ourselves. In one case, a friend was asked to pay £49.99 upfront before anyone would speak to her, and that was just for a basic mirror will.

The focus tends to be on your assets rather than your wishes. The aim is often to identify whether you might need extras like trusts, storage, or tax planning. If it turns out you don’t, the tone of the conversation can change quickly.

Some clients have told us they paid their money, answered a few questions, and then heard nothing. One never even received a draft. After chasing for weeks, the money was refunded with no explanation, no service, and no will.

The reality is that no one can offer a personalised, legally sound will for £20 without making up the difference elsewhere. These prices are often just the starting point. Once you are in the system, you're offered add-ons or told the base service doesn’t include the basics.

Low-Cost Wills: Benefits vs Dangers

The benefits:
☐ Low initial cost
☐ Fast sign-up process
☐ May suit someone with no assets and very simple wishes

The dangers:
☐ Unlikely to result in a valid or useful will
☐ May exclude key provisions
☐ No personalised advice
☐ Poor follow-up if you’re not seen as profitable
☐ Risk of being left with nothing at all
☐ Often used to upsell more expensive services

Solicitor Firms: Trusted, But With Higher Overheads

Many people still choose solicitors to write their wills, especially if they’ve used the firm before. That familiarity can be reassuring when dealing with personal matters.

Solicitors are qualified legal professionals and many offer a high standard of service. They are especially helpful for complex estates, business assets, or family disputes. Some clients also like the formality of working with a regulated legal practice.

However, solicitor fees often reflect more than just the advice. You're also paying for high street premises, receptionists, admin teams, and overheads. Appointments tend to be limited to office hours, which isn’t always convenient.

If you need more time or want to make changes after your meeting, there may be additional charges. Home visits, if offered, often come at extra cost which can be a barrier for elderly or housebound clients.

Solicitor Firms: Benefits vs Dangers

The benefits:
☐ Qualified, regulated professionals
☐ Good for complex estates or business matters
☐ Trusted and familiar, particularly for older clients
☐ Can deal with disputes or technical planning

The dangers:
☐ Hourly fees can add up
☐ Limited flexibility with appointments
☐ Home visits not always available or chargeable
☐ May feel overly formal for some clients

Independent Will Writers: What to Look Out For

Independent will writers offer more flexibility, often with home visits or online meetings, which suits many clients better. But while the convenience may be similar, the service and protection offered can vary widely.

Some are sole traders. Others operate under franchise models or work with financial advisers. Not all are legally qualified or regulated.

Will writing is not a regulated profession in England and Wales. This means anyone can call themselves a will writer, regardless of training. However, those who belong to professional bodies such as The Society of Will Writers or The Institute of Professional Will Writers are more likely to follow best practices and receive ongoing training.

Before choosing a provider, check who will be advising you, what their qualifications are, and how clearly the process is explained.

Independent Will Writers: Benefits vs Considerations

The benefits:
☐ More flexible appointment times
☐ Often more affordable than solicitors
☐ Good for people who prefer a relaxed, informal approach
☐ Some offer home visits and belong to professional bodies

The considerations:
☐ Not legally regulated
☐ Qualifications and experience vary
☐ Some operate under sales-driven franchises
☐ Pricing and follow-up may be unclear
☐ May lack expertise in complex situations

Where We Sit

At JD Wills and Estates, we sit somewhere in the middle.

We are not the cheapest and we are not trying to be. We do not believe something this important should be rushed, boxed, or sold as a basic add-on.

We are also not as expensive as high street solicitors, largely because we do not have a city-centre office or multiple layers of staff. This allows us to focus on what matters most, the quality of the advice and the care we give each client.

Richard is not a will writer. He is a barrister regulated by the Bar Standards Board. He is fully insured, completes CPD every year, and brings over 20 years of legal experience including time spent in court where wills had gone wrong.

Our first meeting is always free and no-obligation, in person if you're local or online if preferred. We usually visit as a male and female advisor team, which many clients find reassuring. We take time to listen and guide you through it properly, with no jargon or pressure.

If you don’t need something, we’ll tell you. And the price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden extras.

JD Wills and Estates: Benefits vs Considerations

The benefits:
☐ Advice from a qualified barrister regulated by the Bar Standards Board
☐ Home and online appointments
☐ Male and female advisor team
☐ Clear, fixed pricing
☐ Calm, jargon-free guidance
☐ Tailored service for simple or complex cases
☐ Ongoing support if circumstances change

The considerations:
☐ Not the lowest-cost option
☐ In-person visits are focused on Leicestershire
☐ More time is taken to understand your circumstances fully

If you're not sure which option is right for you, or you simply want to talk things through, we’re happy to help. A friendly, no-obligation chat can make things much clearer.