UK Will Writing Services: A Consumer Guide
Published / Last Updated on 17/04/2026
Wills and Will writing services are not regulated by the Law Society, the Financial Conduct Authority, or any other regulatory body.
1. Overview
In the UK, anyone can write a will. You may:
- write it yourself
- use a regulated professional (e.g., a solicitor)
- use an unregulated will‑writing business
Whichever option you choose, you are protected by general consumer law.
This guide explains your choices, what to check before buying, and what to do if things go wrong.
2. Will‑Writing Options
2.1 Write the will yourself
Suitable only for simple estates. Errors can cause disputes or invalidate the will.
2.2 Use a regulated professional
Examples: solicitors or other regulated practices.
Key protections:
- mandatory training and professional standards
- access to the Legal Ombudsman (England & Wales), Financial Ombudsman, Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, or Law Society of Northern Ireland
- access to compensation schemes or professional indemnity insurance
As part of us qualifying as Chartered Insurers and then Chartered Financial Planners (both 1st Class Honours Degree standard) under the Royal Charter granted by King George V on 17 January, 1912 and also becoming Fellows of the Personal Financial Society, we studied and passed the Chartered Insurance Institute’s advanced modules in English Law, Property and Pecuniary Insurance Law, Life Insurance Law, Pensions Law, Taxation and Trust Law (each module at ‘A’ level standard) as well as having full, professional indemnity insurance cover of £1,850,000 to protect both you our clients as well as ourselves.
2.3 Use an unregulated will writer
Often cheaper. Protections vary.
Some belong to voluntary self‑regulatory bodies with their own:
- training standards
- codes of conduct
- complaints processes
3. Understanding Will Terminology
Wills often include technical terms such as per stirpes, testator, executor, and STEP provisions.
A clear explanation is available here:
4. Key Differences Between Will Writers
Will‑writing services vary in:
- price
- experience
- qualifications
- insurance cover
- regulatory protections
Will writing is not regulated by the Law Society, FCA, or any statutory regulator.
Of course, solicitors are the first profession that comes to mind for a will but some professionals (e.g., Chartered Financial Planners) may have advanced legal training relevant to wills, trusts, and estate planning.
5. What to Check Before Buying
5.1 Verify the provider’s status
Ask for evidence of:
- qualifications, training, and experience
- ongoing professional development
- regulatory status or membership of a self‑regulatory body
- complaints process
- professional indemnity insurance
- whether the service is valid for your part of the UK
5.2 Understand who drafts the will
Clarify whether:
- the person you meet drafts the will
- drafting is outsourced
- you are buying a template or online form
Get all clarifications in writing.
5.3 Compare providers
Aim for at least three quotes.
Cheapest does not always mean best.
5.4 Check pricing
Confirm:
- whether the fee is fixed or hourly
- what is included or excluded
- whether additional fees apply
Keep screenshots or written copies of quotes.
5.5 Free will schemes
Examples:
- Free Wills Month (March & October)
- Will Aid (November)
These usually cover simple wills. Complex wills may incur fees.
- Care should also be taken with free Wills as the Will Writer offering the service may be 'back end' charging by including themselves are executors so that they secure a large fee as professional executor of your Will
6. If Things Go Wrong
6.1 First step
Contact the business directly.
6.2 Additional support
If the provider is regulated or part of a self‑regulatory body, you may have access to:
- formal complaints procedures
- independent ombudsman services
- compensation schemes
7. Your Consumer Rights
7.1 No pressure selling
You should never be pressured into buying a will or related services.
If a salesperson visits your home, they must leave when asked.
You may end a phone call at any time.
7.2 Payment protections
Paying by credit or debit card may give you additional rights through your bank or card provider.
7.3 Cooling‑off period
If you buy a will‑writing service online or off‑premises, you have a 14‑day right to cancel for a full refund.
If you request immediate service (e.g., urgent will), you may lose this right — but you must not be pressured into waiving it.
If the business fails to inform you of your cancellation rights, the cooling‑off period may extend up to 12 months.
8. FAQ
What are my options for writing a will in the UK?
You can write it yourself, use a regulated professional (such as a solicitor), or use an unregulated will‑writing business.
Is will writing regulated?
No. Will writing is not a reserved legal activity. Some providers are regulated, but many are not.
How do I check if a will writer is regulated?
Search the regulator’s website or the self‑regulatory body’s member directory. Ask the business for written confirmation.
What qualifications should a will writer have?
Look for legal training, estate‑planning qualifications, or membership of a recognised professional body. Ask for evidence.
Do will writers need insurance?
Not legally, but many professional bodies require at least £2 million of professional indemnity insurance.
What should I ask before buying a will‑writing service?
Ask about qualifications, who drafts the will, pricing, complaints procedures, and whether the service is suitable for your part of the UK.
Can I cancel after buying a will‑writing service?
Yes. You have a 14‑day cooling‑off period for online or off‑premises purchases unless you request immediate service.
What if the will writer pressures me to buy?
End the appointment or call. Pressure selling is unlawful.
What if something goes wrong with my will?
Contact the business first. If regulated, you may escalate to the Legal Ombudsman, the Financial Ombudsman or Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wale or other relevant complaints bodies.
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