Is an Online Will Right for Me? Suitability Checker
Find out if an online will service is suitable for your situation, or if you need specialist support or a solicitor.
Find out if an online will is right for you
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance
Online wills vs solicitor wills: What's the difference?
Both online wills and solicitor-drafted wills are legally valid in England and Wales. The key difference is not whether they "work", but whether the method suits your specific circumstances.
| Feature | Online Will | Solicitor Will |
|---|---|---|
| Legal validity | ✓ Fully valid | ✓ Fully valid |
| Best for | Straightforward estates with clear wishes | Complex estates, tax planning, disputes |
| Cost | £50-£150 | £300-£1,000+ |
| Time to complete | 15-30 minutes | Several weeks (appointments, drafts) |
| Bespoke advice | ❌ No (guidance only) | ✓ Yes |
| Tax planning | Limited to standard provisions | ✓ Full tax planning available |
| Convenience | ✓ Complete at home, anytime | Requires appointments |
| Suitability for complex families | ❌ Not recommended | ✓ Yes |
When online wills work well
An online will service is typically suitable if:
- Your estate is in England or Wales only (no overseas property or assets)
- Your family situation is straightforward (e.g., married with children, or single with clear beneficiaries)
- You're leaving everything to your spouse/partner, or dividing it clearly among family
- Your estate is below the Inheritance Tax threshold (£325,000 + £175,000 residence nil-rate band)
- You don't have significant business interests, trusts, or complex assets
- There are no expected disputes or challenges to your will
- You're comfortable answering questions without face-to-face advice
When to use a solicitor instead
You should consult a solicitor if:
- You have property or assets overseas
- Your estate may be subject to Inheritance Tax and you want to minimize it
- You have business interests or shares in a company
- You have complicated family circumstances (e.g., estranged children, multiple marriages, step-children)
- You want to set up trusts
- You expect your will might be challenged
- You have dependants with special needs
- You want to make provisions that require specialist legal structuring
Are online wills safe and legally valid in the UK?
Yes, online wills are legally valid in England and Wales—provided they meet the same legal requirements as any other will:
Legal requirements for any will (Wills Act 1837)
- Made by someone over 18 with mental capacity
- Made voluntarily (no coercion)
- In writing (typed or handwritten)
- Signed by the person making the will
- Witnessed by two independent witnesses who are present at the same time
- Witnesses must not be beneficiaries (or married to beneficiaries)
An online will service provides the template and guidance. You still need to:
- Print the will
- Sign it in the presence of two witnesses
- Have both witnesses sign in your presence
Important: An online will is not a "digital" will—it must still be printed and signed with witnesses like any other will.
Risks and safeguards
Risk: Misunderstanding questions
If you misunderstand a question, your will may not reflect your true intentions.
Safeguard: Good online will services provide clear explanations and examples for every question. If in doubt, seek telephone support or professional advice.
Risk: Signing errors
If witnessing is done incorrectly, the will is invalid.
Safeguard: Follow the clear signing instructions provided. Both witnesses must be present when you sign (or acknowledge your signature).
Risk: Unsuitable for complex situations
Online services use standardized templates that may not cover complex arrangements.
Safeguard: Use this checker to assess suitability. If your situation is complex, consult a solicitor.
What to look for in an online will service
Legally reviewed
Wills drafted or reviewed by qualified solicitors
Clear guidance
Explanations for every question and legal term
Signing instructions
Step-by-step guidance on witnessing and signing
Support available
Help desk or telephone support if needed
Secure and private
Data encryption and privacy guarantees
Easy updates
Ability to update your will when circumstances change
Frequently asked questions
Are online wills safe in the UK?
Yes, online wills are safe and legally valid in the UK, provided they meet the same legal requirements as any will: signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses who then sign in your presence.
The key is choosing a reputable online will service that provides clear guidance, legally reviewed templates, and proper signing instructions.
Is an online will as good as a solicitor?
For straightforward estates, an online will can be just as legally valid and effective as one drafted by a solicitor. The difference is not the legal validity, but whether the method suits your circumstances.
Online wills are best for:
- Simple family structures
- Assets in England/Wales only
- Estates below the IHT threshold
For complex estates, tax planning, or expected disputes, a solicitor is recommended.
Can I write my own will for free?
Technically, yes—you can handwrite your own will at home if it meets all legal requirements. However, DIY wills carry significant risks:
- Ambiguous wording that causes disputes
- Missing essential legal clauses
- Incorrect witnessing that invalidates the will
- Unintended tax consequences
An online will service (£50-£150) provides legally reviewed templates and clear guidance, reducing these risks substantially.
How much does an online will cost?
Online will services in the UK typically cost between £50-£150 for a single will, or £80-£200 for mirror wills (couples).
By comparison, a solicitor-drafted will typically costs £300-£1,000+ depending on complexity.
What are the disadvantages of online wills?
Online wills have limitations:
- No bespoke advice: You get guidance, not personalized legal advice
- Not suitable for complex estates: Business interests, trusts, overseas assets require specialist input
- Risk of misunderstanding: If you misinterpret a question, your will may not reflect your intentions
- No face-to-face reassurance: Some people prefer the comfort of speaking to a solicitor
For straightforward estates, these disadvantages are outweighed by convenience and cost. For complex situations, see a solicitor.
Do I need a solicitor if I have a property?
No, you don't necessarily need a solicitor just because you own property. Many homeowners use online wills successfully.
You should consider a solicitor if:
- You own property overseas (different inheritance laws apply)
- You own multiple properties and want complex distribution arrangements
- Your estate exceeds the Inheritance Tax threshold and you want tax planning
For a straightforward UK home left to spouse or family, an online will is usually sufficient.
Can I change my online will later?
Yes. You can update your will at any time by making a new one (which should state "I revoke all previous wills").
Good online will services allow you to make updates easily, either by creating a new will or adding a codicil (amendment) for minor changes.
What if I get stuck while making an online will?
Reputable online will services provide:
- Clear explanations for every question
- Help articles and FAQs
- Email or phone support
- Option to save progress and return later
If your situation is more complex than you thought, you can always pause and seek professional advice before completing your will.