How to Choose a Will Writer: What to Look For in a Trusted Will Writing Provider

Why Choosing the Right Will Writer Matters

If you’re looking for help writing your Will, you’ll quickly discover a huge range of Will writing providers in the UK. From “free” online Will services to high street law firms, the choices can feel overwhelming.

That variety exists for a good reason: a Will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever make, yet a large proportion of UK adults still don’t have one. (Estimates consistently suggest that between 50–60% of UK adults do not have a valid will.)

This means the range of services available, from simple templates to fully regulated professionals, provides an option for almost every set of circumstances and every budget.

But with so many choices, how do you choose the right Will writer for your needs?

Will Writing in the UK Is Unregulated. Here’s Why That Matters

One of the most important things most people don’t realise is that Will writing is not a regulated activity in the UK. Anyone can legally call themselves a “Will writer”, even without formal training.

This makes it essential to choose a provider who is qualified, insured and accountable.

What are the risks of using an unregulated Will writer?

• Variable training levels

  A person drafting wills may have little or no legal background. Errors in a will can lead to family disputes, legal challenges, or unintended tax consequences.

  
  

• No guaranteed insurance

  If something goes wrong, an unregulated Will writer may not carry professional indemnity insurance meaning your family may have no protection.

  
  

• No compulsory CPD

  Laws change, especially around inheritance tax and trusts. Regulated professionals are required to stay up to date.

  
  

Because of this, choosing someone who is regulated or accredited dramatically reduces risk.

What to Look For When Choosing a Will Writer:

1. Are they regulated or accredited?

Look for membership of a recognised body such as the Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW) or the Society of Will Writers (SWW), or choose a qualified Solicitor. This ensures minimum standards of training, ethics, and ongoing CPD.

2. Do they have professional indemnity insurance?

This is vital. If your will is drafted incorrectly, insurance is what protects your estate and your family. Never be afraid to ask what level of cover your provider holds.

3. What experience or qualifications do they have?

The more complex your estate, the more important legal expertise becomes. If you own property, have children from previous relationships, run a business, or are concerned about inheritance tax, you need someone with legal training and experience.

4. Are their fees transparent?

Will writing fees vary widely across the UK. Ask for a breakdown of costs before committing.

5. How will your Will be stored?

A Will is useless if it cannot be found. Ask how your Will is stored, and how your executors will access it.

Understanding Will Writing Costs in the UK

One key reason will writing feels confusing is the broad range of pricing models.

“Free” Wills

Some charities offer free or low cost wills, usually as part of a legacy donation campaign. While these can be helpful, they often:

• cover only very simple wills

• may limit your options

• can encourage leaving a donation in your will

• may charge extra for additional clauses or complexity

They are not always truly “free”.

Low cost online will services

These may suit very simple estates, but can lack personalised advice and may not be suitable for anyone who wants to speak to an actual person to answer any questions they have. Understanding your Will is essential, so even if your Will is "checked by a Solicitor", if that Solicitor is unavailable to give you personal advice, you could still end up with a Will that does not fit your personal circumstances, or that you do not fully understand. You should be particularly wary of these services if you are a blended family, business owner, or need advice on inheritance tax planning.

Mid range regulated will writers

Many professional will writers offer a good balance of value and expertise, especially those regulated by bodies such as the IPW or SWW.

Solicitors and large law firms

Solicitors offer the highest level of legal training, but often at the highest cost, due to firm overheads and hourly billing.

Where My Service Fits In

As a qualified solicitor and a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers, I offer the training and legal expertise of a solicitor, while also providing:

• competitive fees

• regulated professional standards

• full professional indemnity insurance

• strong understanding of both simple and complex estate planning

Because I operate outside the traditional law firm model, my fees are usually more aligned with a regulated Will writer than a large solicitor’s practice, without compromising on legal quality.

This isn’t a sales pitch! Rather, it highlights how different types of providers can offer different combinations of cost, expertise, and protection.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Will Writer

Use this checklist to compare options:

• Are they regulated or professionally accredited?

• Do they have professional indemnity insurance, and how much?

• What qualifications or experience do they have with estates like mine?

• Are their fees clear and easy to understand?

• How is my Will stored and kept safe?

  
  

Final Thoughts: Choose a Will Writer You Can Trust

A properly written Will protects your wishes, your assets, and the people you care about. Because the UK Will writing sector is unregulated, choosing a provider with the right qualifications, insurance, and professional standards is the safest way to ensure your Will is legally sound and meets your personal needs.

Whether you choose a solicitor, a regulated Will writer, or another reputable provider, take the time to ask the right questions. Your Will is too important to leave to chance.