Side-by-side: online will vs solicitor will
| Online Will (ClearLegacy) | High-street Solicitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (single will) | £69 fixed | £150–£400 |
| Cost (mirror wills) | £99 fixed | £250–£600 |
| Turnaround | 24 hours | 1–3 weeks plus appointment |
| Process | Online questionnaire (~15 min) | Face-to-face appointment (~45 min) |
| Review | Qualified estate planner | Solicitor |
| Legal validity (Wills Act 1837) | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| Probate-court acceptance | ✓ Same | ✓ Same |
| SRA regulated | No (not required for wills) | Yes |
Why the legal product is identical
Will-writing is not a "reserved legal activity" under the Legal Services Act 2007. That means a solicitor's involvement is not a legal requirement — anyone capable of drafting a valid will can do so. What matters is whether the finished document meets section 9 of the Wills Act 1837: in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two adult witnesses, who then sign in the presence of the testator.
An online will at ClearLegacy meets every requirement. So does a solicitor will. They are legally indistinguishable in probate.
What you actually pay extra for at a solicitor
- Office overhead. Rent on a Georgian building in a market town isn't free. You're paying for it.
- Hourly billing. A 45-minute appointment at £200/hour is £150 just for the meeting, before drafting.
- Wider expertise. A solicitor can also do conveyancing, divorce, commercial leases. For a simple will, that breadth isn't needed.
- SRA regulation. Useful for high-stakes legal work; not legally required for wills.
When to genuinely use a solicitor instead
An online will is wrong for some estates. Use a solicitor if:
- You have discretionary trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries
- You own foreign property in jurisdictions with different succession rules
- You have business interests with shareholder agreements
- You're in a contested family situation (estranged children, second marriage with disputes)
- You need active inheritance tax planning beyond what a standard will covers
For everyone else — homeowners, couples, parents with named guardians, people with named beneficiaries — an online will is the right choice. We'll flag during review if your situation looks like it needs a solicitor and refer you out.
ClearLegacy pricing — fixed fees, no surprises
Single Will
For one person. Legally valid in England & Wales. Reviewed by a qualified estate planner within 24 hours.
Start Single WillMirror Wills
Two matching Wills for couples. Save £39 versus buying two singles. Both reviewed and emailed within 24 hours.
Start Mirror WillsHow we compare on price
| Provider | Single Will | Mirror Wills | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClearLegacy | £69 | £99 | Online · estate-planner reviewed · 24-hour turnaround |
| Farewill | £100 | £165 | Online · review-by-phone |
| Co-op Legal Services | £150+ | £245+ | Phone or online |
| High-street solicitor | £150–£400 | £250–£600 | Face-to-face appointments |
| DIY kit (WHSmith etc.) | £20–£40 | £40–£80 | Paper · no review |
Prices are typical published rates at time of writing (May 2026). Sources: provider websites; Law Society for solicitor ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to put a legally valid will in place?
Single Will £69. Mirror Wills £99. Reviewed by a qualified estate planner within 24 hours. No subscription, no hidden fees, no hourly billing.
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