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) in the presence of two witnesses who are present at the same time
- Then signed by both witnesses
A witness or their spouse cannot benefit from the Will (Wills Act 1837, s.15), so choose independent adults who are not named in it. These rules apply however the Will was drafted. Every ClearLegacy Will is checked before it's issued, but it only takes effect once you sign it correctly in front of your witnesses.
Why ClearLegacy?
ClearLegacy is a specialist Will writing service for England and Wales. We write Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney: a Single Will costs £69, Mirror Wills for couples cost £99 and an LPA costs £69 (£119 for both). You get a first draft straight after payment and a signing-ready Will usually within 24 hours. We do not offer trusts or probate, so if you need those a solicitor may be the better route. Our LPA service covers England and Wales.
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 writes Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and does not offer a probate service. Our guides explain how probate works so your executors know what to expect.
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, Mirror Wills (two Wills that reflect each other's wishes) are a common and cost-effective solution for couples. At ClearLegacy, Mirror Wills cost £99 for the pair, compared with £69 for a Single Will.
Ready to write your Will?
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