Finding the cheapest will writing service doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. With some research, it’s possible to find an affordable provider that offers a comprehensive service. Here is an in-depth overview of what to expect from budget will writing options and some tips for getting the most for your money.
What is a Will?
A will is a legal document that allows you to outline who should inherit your property, money, and belongings after you pass away. It also allows you to appoint guardians for any minor children and executors to carry out your wishes. Without a valid will, the intestacy rules will determine who inherits your estate, which may not be how you intended. Having a written will is therefore an important part of estate planning.
Types of Will Writing Services
There are different levels of will writing services available at varying price points:
Online/DIY Wills – These are the most basic and affordable options, where you typically use software to generate your will without legal advice. Prices can start from around £20-50.
Standard Will Writing – Most traditional providers will offer a standard will writing service for £100-300. This involves an initial consultation with a solicitor and a basic single or joint will produced.
Complex Wills – More intricate estates that involve trusts, multiple beneficiaries or foreign assets will usually require a bespoke complex will. Prices for these tend to start at £500 or more.
Updated/Revised Wills – If your circumstances change, such as inheritance, marriage or children, your existing will may need updating. This is often cheaper than a full new will.
Getting the Most for Your Money
When shopping around, consider the following tips to maximize value from a budget will writing service:
Research providers accredited by recognized bodies like the Society of Will Writers who must meet high standards.
Ask what’s included – the top services cover advice sessions, storing the original will, and free basic updates if your circumstances change.
Check for money-saving bundles that include wills for couples or families.
Enquire about discounts for pensioners, military veterans, nurses or other professions.
Consider upgrading just some aspects, like adding trusts or executor support, rather than an entirely new complex will.
Watch out for sneaky extra costs like storage or certified copies that some firms bury in small print.
Popular Cheap Will Writing Options
Here are some of the most affordable providers to consider based on features, reviews and typical pricing:
Farewill – From £95 including online editing tool and advice sessions. Storage included. Highly rated for transparency.
My Lawyer Wills – Basic will from £69.99, standard will £99. Package options available. Memberships provide reduced future updates.
Wonder Wills – Online wills from £49 single, £89 joint. Storage extra but basic lifetime updates included. Good reviews.
Lawtons Solicitors – Standard will £125 including home visit consultation. Additional services like probate or trusts. Estate planning bundles available.
Co-op Legal Services – Wills from £99, packages from £199 including two people. Face-to-face meetings and lifetime basic updates. Storage additional.
Will Aid – Non-profit helping disadvantaged customers. Solicitors provide basic wills November-January with donation to Will Aid. Else pays reduced rate £100-150 all year.
Things to Consider with Budget Options
While DIY and online-only wills are the most affordable options, there are some limitations:
No legal advice provided so you may miss important details around trusts, taxes or inheritance laws. This could invalidate the will.
Formatting and wording must be technically correct or the will may be unreliable. Professional drafters ensure legal accuracy.
No review process to flag issues – a solicitor consultation helps catch errors and omissions early.
Limited or no future updates – circumstances change but DIY wills often can’t be updated in future without repurchasing.
No storage/safety deposit – without secure professional storage, the will risks being lost, damaged or contested.
So while low-cost, budget options may be suitable for basic estates, those with complex needs could end up spending more to fix issues down the line. Speaking with a provider is advised to be sure your needs are met affordably now and in future. With research though, it’s absolutely possible to get a quality cheaper will in place.
With a bit of shopping around it’s feasible to find an affordable yet high-quality will writing service. As long as the provider is accredited, offers reassurance like storage and updates, and you feel able to get legal advice if needed – then a budget option of £100 or less could work well for your needs. Taking the time to compare features fully is worthwhile to get peace of mind at a low cost.