Why This Comparison Matters

Choosing the right will-writing service affects whether your will is legally valid, whether it accurately reflects your wishes, and how much it costs.

We've researched the main options available in the UK to help you make an informed decision. This comparison is honest about the pros and cons of each approach, including our own service.

Types of Will Writing Services

Online Will Services

Digital platforms that guide you through creating a will via questionnaires.

High Street Solicitors

Traditional law firms offering face-to-face will-writing services.

Specialist Will Writers

Non-solicitors who specialize in will writing only.

Free Will Services

Charities offering free wills in exchange for potential legacy gifts.

DIY Will Kits

Paper forms you fill in yourself at home.

Detailed Service Comparison

WillsConnect (Online Service)

Price: £89 per will

Process: Online questionnaire completed in 20-30 minutes. Expert review before download.

Features:

  • Clear guidance at every step
  • Built-in error checking
  • Expert review by wills specialist
  • Both standard and Islamic wills
  • Unlimited updates for 30 days
  • Digital storage
  • Email and phone support

Pros:

  • Affordable flat fee
  • Fast and convenient
  • Expert review included
  • No appointments needed
  • Legally valid
  • Easy to update

Cons:

  • Online only (no face-to-face)
  • May not suit extremely complex estates

Best for: Most people with straightforward to moderately complex situations who value convenience and value.

High Street Solicitors

Price: £150-500 for basic wills, £500-2,000+ for complex estates

Process: Initial consultation (face-to-face or video), followed by document drafting and review meetings.

Features:

  • Professional legal advice
  • Personalized service
  • Complex estate planning
  • Tax planning advice
  • Storage services

Pros:

  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Personalized advice
  • Best for complex situations
  • Can handle unusual circumstances
  • Established reputation

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Requires appointments
  • Process can take weeks
  • Quality varies between firms
  • May be overkill for simple wills

Best for: Complex estates (£1m+), business owners, international assets, complicated family situations.

Other Online Will Services

Price: £90-180 typically

Process: Similar to WillsConnect – online questionnaires.

Pros:

  • Convenient
  • Generally affordable
  • Quick process

Cons:

  • Quality varies significantly
  • Not all include expert review
  • Support can be limited
  • Some have hidden fees

Best for: Those comfortable with online services who research carefully.

Specialist Will Writers (Non-Solicitors)

Price: £100-400

Process: Home visits or office appointments.

Features:

  • Personal service
  • Come to your home
  • May offer storage

Pros:

  • Convenient home visits
  • Personal attention
  • Often local

Cons:

  • Not solicitors (no legal qualifications)
  • Quality varies widely
  • Some pressure sales tactics
  • Limited redress if problems
  • May push expensive storage

Caveat: Check credentials carefully. Ensure they're members of professional bodies like Society of Will Writers.

Free Will Services (Charity-Based)

Price: Free (but charity hopes for legacy gift)

Process: Referred to solicitor who provides free will.

Pros:

  • Genuinely free
  • Professional solicitor involved
  • Support good causes

Cons:

  • Limited availability
  • Usually during specific campaigns
  • Age restrictions (often 55+)
  • Expectation of charitable bequest
  • May feel obligated
  • Not always in your area

Best for: Over 55s who were planning to leave charity gift anyway.

DIY Will Kits

Price: £10-40

Process: Buy paper forms, fill in yourself.

Pros:

  • Very cheap
  • Complete in own time

Cons:

  • HIGH error risk
  • No guidance or support
  • No expert review
  • Easy to invalidate
  • Many become contested
  • False economy if will fails

Warning: NOT recommended. High rate of errors that only become apparent after death when it's too late to fix.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Complexity of Your Situation

Simple (online service fine):

  • Estate under £500,000
  • Straightforward family
  • Main assets are home and savings
  • Clear wishes

Complex (consider solicitor):

  • Estate over £1 million
  • Business ownership
  • Properties abroad
  • Blended families
  • Disabled beneficiaries
  • Tax planning needed

2. Budget

  • Limited budget: Quality online service
  • Moderate budget: Online or high street solicitor
  • Complex needs: Budget for solicitor

3. Preference for Face-to-Face

  • Comfortable online: Online service
  • Prefer in-person: Solicitor or will writer

4. Urgency

  • Need quickly: Online (same day)
  • No rush: Any option

5. Ongoing Support

  • Want easy updates: Online service
  • Want relationship: Local solicitor

What Makes WillsConnect Stand Out

WillsConnect combines the best aspects of different approaches:

Professional Quality Without Professional Prices

  • Every will reviewed by wills expert
  • Legally valid and professionally drafted
  • £89 flat fee (no hidden costs)

Convenience Without Sacrificing Quality

  • Complete online in 20-30 minutes
  • But with expert human review
  • Support when you need it

Simple Process, Sophisticated Results

  • Plain English questions
  • Built-in guidance
  • Results in professional document

Both Standard and Islamic Wills

  • One of few services offering proper Islamic wills
  • Same high quality for both

Fair and Transparent

  • See price upfront
  • No pressure to buy storage
  • No ongoing fees
  • Update easily when needed

Common Situations and Best Choices

Young Couple, First Home, Young Children

Best choice: WillsConnect or other quality online service
Why: Straightforward situation, budget-conscious, value convenience

Retired Couple, Modest Estate, Grown Children

Best choice: WillsConnect or free charity will (if 55+)
Why: Simple needs, either option works well

Second Marriage, Children from Both

Best choice: Solicitor for first will, then WillsConnect for updates
Why: Initial complexity needs professional input, but updates can be simpler

Business Owner

Best choice: Specialist solicitor
Why: Business succession needs expert planning

International Assets

Best choice: Solicitor with international experience
Why: Multiple jurisdictions require specialist knowledge

Simple Estate, Tech-Comfortable

Best choice: WillsConnect
Why: Perfect match – simple needs, comfortable online, values convenience

Simple Estate, Prefers Face-to-Face

Best choice: Local solicitor
Why: Worth paying more for preferred format

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid Services That:

  • Promise guaranteed validity – No one can guarantee a will won't be challenged
  • Pressure you to buy storage – You can store your will anywhere
  • Use scare tactics – “Your family will suffer!†is manipulation
  • Have poor reviews – Check Trustpilot, Google, etc.
  • Aren't transparent about pricing – Hidden fees are red flag
  • Don't offer expert review – DIY without checking is risky
  • Make it hard to contact them – You need support

Making Your Decision

Simple Decision Framework

Choose WillsConnect if:

  • Estate under £1 million
  • Straightforward family situation
  • Comfortable with online services
  • Want expert review without high cost
  • Value convenience and speed
  • Want easy future updates

Choose Solicitor if:

  • Complex estate or family situation
  • Business interests
  • International assets
  • Significant tax planning needed
  • Prefer face-to-face service
  • Money is less of a concern

Choose Free Will Service if:

  • Over 55
  • Planning to leave charitable gift anyway
  • Simple estate
  • Service available in your area

Avoid DIY Kits

  • Too risky for such an important document

Start Your Will Today

Whichever service you choose, the most important thing is to actually make your will. Too many people delay this essential task.

Why Start with WillsConnect?

  • Try before you pay – Start for free, pay only £89 when ready to finalize
  • Quick and easy – 20-30 minutes to complete
  • Expert reviewed – Every will checked by specialist
  • Update anytime – Life changes, your will can too
  • Both will types – Standard and Islamic wills

Protect your family, gain peace of mind, and check an important task off your list.

Start your will with WillsConnect today – it's easier than you think.