It’s essential to write a valid will to make sure your final wishes are honoured, your estate is protected, and your loved ones aren’t left with a mountain of paperwork or legal wrangling.
There are several ways to go about it, including using an online will writing service, or either a solicitor or a professional will writer. It’s even possible to do it yourself with a DIY template.
With that in mind, you may wonder if professional will writing services are worth it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Why do people hire professional will writers?
In short, people use professional will writers for convenience and peace of mind.
Creating a will isn’t just about listing who gets what. It’s about protecting your estate, your property, your children, and your future. Every person’s situation is different, and some wills are more complex than others. There may be previous relationships, a business or foreign assets to take into account, for example.
Professional will writers can help you fully understand your legal position, talk you through your options and ensure everything stands up from a legal point of view.
At MW Legal, we’re more than just form-fillers. We’re here to listen, guide, and write wills that can withstand scrutiny and protect your loved ones from unnecessary delays or disputes during the probate process.
Explore our will writing services.
Advantages and disadvantages of will writing services
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Legally valid – Professionally written wills comply with UK law and follow the rules, such as including the right number of witnesses and appropriate wording. | Cost – There are DIY templates out there that you can use for free. However, mistakes can be made which may cost you far more to put right later. |
| Tailored advice – Professionals can provide advice on issues you may not have considered, such as inheritance tax liability or care costs. | Quality varies – Not all will-writing firms are regulated or transparent about their processes and fees. Ensure your will writer is a member of a professional body, such as The Society of Will Writers. |
| Protection for complex estates – Estates involving foreign assets, trusts, or business ownership undoubtedly benefit from expert input. For example, if you own a holiday property in Spain, or have shares in a limited company, a professional will writer can ensure everything is structured tax-efficiently, both in the UK and abroad. | Not all include legal advice – Some online services don’t provide direct access to legal professionals. |
| Safeguards and insurance – Reputable providers have professional indemnity insurance and may be regulated by a higher governing body. | |
| Clarity and process support – Avoids common mistakes around beneficiaries, small print, or exclusions. | |
| Storage and updates – Many firms offer secure storage for your original will and regular updates when circumstances change. |
Can’t I write a will on my own?
You can write your own will, and you will find plenty of templates and advice online. But the question is: should you?
Writing your own will might seem like a good way to save money. If your estate is small and straightforward, and you’re confident you understand the rules around beneficiaries, witnesses, and inheritance law, it might work. But if things go wrong and your will is contested in court, unfortunately, you won’t be around to explain what you meant.
Think of it like renovating your kitchen. You could have a go with a few YouTube videos, but when the plumbing goes wrong, you might wish you had called in a professional!
What is the risk of DIY wills and templates?
- Not being legally valid – A missing signature or an invalid witness, for example, could render your will invalid.
- Disputes and delays – Most people don’t enjoy legal speak, but it serves a purpose. You might use wording that makes sense to you, but could be perceived as confusing and contradictory if it were contested. This can cause uncomfortable and often costly family disputes.
- Failing to account for your full estate – DIY wills often overlook things like digital assets, overseas property, or tax obligations.
At MW Legal, we believe that the financial and emotional toll an invalid will can cause is simply not worth the risk. We will take time to understand your situation, offer valuable advice and write a will that is reflective of your wishes and legally valid.
Ready to write or review your will?
Your will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever write. It’s not just about money—it’s about making sure the people you love are looked after, the way you want. And that’s too important to leave to chance.
If you’re ready to take the next step, whether you’re writing your first will or reviewing an existing one, MW Legal is here to help. We can meet you in person or offer a telephone will. Alternatively, you can use our secure online will writing service, which includes a checking facility by a qualified will writer.
Feel free to contact us if you have a question. Our friendly, experienced will writers can explain things in plain English so you can create a will with confidence.
Frequently asked questions – are will writing services any good?
Are will writing services legally binding?
A will is legally binding in the UK as long as it meets the formal requirements: the person making the will must be over 18, of sound mental capacity, fully aware of what they’re doing, and the will must be signed in front of two witnesses. A professional will writer can ensure these steps are followed correctly, to avoid the risk of your will being challenged.
Can I switch will writers?
If you’re unhappy with your current will writer, or if you simply want a second opinion, you can switch will writing companies. Just ensure your original will is reviewed and updated correctly, especially if circumstances have changed.
At MW Legal, we often help clients amend or completely rewrite their wills after moving from another provider. We’ll review your wishes, ensure everything’s still valid, and advise on any updates.
How much does a will writing service cost?
At MW Legal, our will-writing services cost from as little as £39 for an online single will, to a few hundred pounds for a more complex family will or power of attorney. We offer a transparent, affordable service with no hidden fees. We’ll tell you upfront what’s included and what you might need in the future, so there’s no small print, no nasty surprises, and no pressure. Take a look at our will-writing services and prices here.
You may also be interested in:
