Will: Online or Solicitor?

Making a will is essential. But how you make it matters too — and the right answer depends on your circumstances, not your budget alone. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide.

The Big Picture

In 2025, only 49% of consumers used a solicitor for will writing, down from 56% in 2020. Online services have gone mainstream — and for good reason. But they're not right for everyone.

The honest answer: most people in England and Wales can create a perfectly valid will online. For official guidance on making a will in the UK, see GOV.UK. A smaller group genuinely need a solicitor. Knowing which camp you're in saves you either money or risk.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When an Online Will Is the Right Choice

Online will writing is usually sufficient for most straightforward estates — it's quick, affordable, and easy to update.

You're a strong candidate for an online will if:

• You want to leave everything (or most things) to a spouse, partner, or children
• Your estate is relatively straightforward — a home, savings, personal possessions
• You want to name guardians for your children
• You want to appoint a trusted executor
• You want to get it done today, not in three weeks

Online services let you work at your own pace, from home, without appointments or waiting. For most adults in England and Wales, this is genuinely all they need.

When You Should Use a Solicitor

Some situations genuinely call for professional legal advice. Use a solicitor if:

• Your estate may be subject to Inheritance Tax — currently triggered above £325,000 (or £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band)
• You have a blended family — step-children, children from previous relationships, or estranged family members
• You own property abroad or have overseas assets
• You run a business and want to pass it on or protect it
• You want to set up a trust — for a disabled relative, minor children, or asset protection
• You have concerns about the will being contested

Solicitors are the most expensive option but offer the greatest peace of mind, especially if your affairs are complex. They're also regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, meaning you have recourse to the Legal Ombudsman if something goes wrong.

What About the Hybrid Option?

There's a middle ground worth knowing about. Unbundled services — where you draft online and then have a solicitor review — have grown from 4% in 2023 to 10% in 2025.

This works well if you're comfortable with an online process but want a professional to check the final document. It typically costs £150–£300 total — meaningfully less than full solicitor fees.

The Legal Validity Question

This is the most common concern — and the short answer is: an online will is just as legally valid as one written by a solicitor, provided it is:

1. In writing
2. Signed by you in the presence of two witnesses
3. Signed by both witnesses in your presence

The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will, or married to a beneficiary. Get this right, and your online will is binding.

One Key Thing to Know (England & Wales)

If you die without a will, your estate is divided according to strict intestacy rules — and unmarried partners or stepchildren may receive nothing, regardless of your wishes.

Also important: in England and Wales, getting married automatically revokes an existing will. If you've recently married or are planning to, review your will straight away.

So, Which Is Right for You?

Choose an online will if: your estate is straightforward, your beneficiaries are clear, and you want something done quickly and affordably.

Choose a solicitor if: you have a complex estate, blended family, business interests, overseas assets, or IHT concerns.

Not sure? Start online. A good online will service will flag if your situation needs professional input — and you can always upgrade later.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex estates, we recommend seeking independent legal guidance.*

See our full breakdown of how much a will costs.

Follow our guide on how to make a will online step by step.

Create your will today.

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