Will Writing Service vs Solicitor: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
A will writing service and a solicitor can both produce a legally valid will in England and Wales. The key differences are cost, speed, and the complexity of estates they handle best. For most people, a professional will writing service like ClearLegacy is entirely sufficient — and significantly more affordable.
What a Solicitor Offers
A solicitor is a regulated legal professional who can:
- Draft complex wills involving trusts, business interests, or overseas assets
- Provide comprehensive Inheritance Tax advice
- Act as executor of your estate
- Handle probate after your death
Cost: £150–£800+ depending on complexity
Timescale: Typically 1–4 weeks for an appointment and completion
Regulation: Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
What a Will Writing Service Offers
A professional will writing service can:
- Draft legally valid wills for straightforward to moderately complex estates
- Guide you through the process step by step
- Produce mirror wills for couples at reduced cost
- Include basic trust provisions for children
Cost: £50–£150 typically
Timescale: Often same day or within 24 hours online
Regulation: Will writing is not a reserved legal activity — choose a reputable service
Which Is Right for You?
Choose a will writing service if you:
- Have a straightforward estate (property, savings, personal possessions)
- Want to leave everything to a partner, children, or clear beneficiaries
- Need a quick, affordable result
- Are comfortable completing a guided online process
Choose a solicitor if you:
- Have significant business assets or partnerships
- Own property overseas
- Have a blended family with complex arrangements
- Want comprehensive Inheritance Tax planning
- Are dealing with a very large estate
Is a Will Writing Service Legally Valid?
Yes. There is no legal requirement for a solicitor to draft your will. A will is legally valid in England and Wales if it is:
- In writing
- Signed by the testator (you)
- Signed by two independent adult witnesses who are present at the same time
- The witnesses are not beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries
ClearLegacy ensures every will meets these requirements.
Why ClearLegacy?
ClearLegacy is a specialist will writing service covering wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and probate across England and Wales. Our service is designed for people who want a professional result without solicitor fees.
Get started at clearlegacy.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is will writing regulated in the UK?
Will writing is not a reserved legal activity, meaning anyone can offer the service. Solicitors are regulated by the SRA; will writing companies vary. Always choose a reputable, established service.
Can a will writing service handle probate?
Some do, some don't. ClearLegacy can advise on probate — visit clearlegacy.co.uk for details on what our service covers.
What if my circumstances change after writing my will?
You should review and update your will after any major life change — marriage, divorce, new children, property purchase, or significant change in assets. ClearLegacy makes it easy to update your will when needed.
Do both spouses need separate wills?
Technically yes — each person needs their own valid will. However, a mirror will (where two wills reflect each other's wishes) is a common and cost-effective solution for couples and is typically offered at a combined discounted rate.
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