This is a question which, whilst important to many people writing their Will, also indicates one of the motivations not to write a Will, and it shouldn’t be a barrier. It’s also rather a contentious question because everyone wants a bargain. When we are talking about the most important legal document we will ever make, it’s crucial to make sure it’s being done correctly.
When considering the question ‘how much does a Will cost?’ there are a number of variables or considerations. Firstly, remember that you don’t need to pay a professional to write your Will. You can write it yourself with a DIY kit from WHSmiths or from Amazon. It is our recommendation that you always seek professional assistance though because the area of succession planning is far more complicated than many realise and whilst well meaning, any mistakes tend to come to light after you’ve passed by which point, it can often be too late to rectify them.
Secondly, a practical consideration when it comes to the cost of a Will is that there are ‘professional estate planners’ who will offer a Will for as little as £19.99. This brings into consideration that you get what you pay for and that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In many cases, these firms will be looking to charge you for additional services (and we’ve seen in some cases, that these products aren’t necessarily right for the purchaser).
What about online Wills? This is something that is becoming increasingly more accessible and being offered by lots of firms. In many cases these Wills (starting from as little as £49) can be a credible and suitable solution but often they only cater for simple estates or circumstances. Here at SLS Wills and More, we DO offer an online solution but because clients don’t know what they don’t know, our online service comes with a FREE Will check included as standard to make sure that the simple online Will is suitable.
So how much should you pay?
In the majority of cases you will be paying a fixed fee for your Will but some solicitors charge by the hour for their services, but in the main, and from our experience working in private practice, it is usual to pay up to £200 for a Single Will and up to £350 for Mirror Wills before the cost of any trusts or additional estate planning work is added.
At SLS Wills and more we like to make sure our services are as affordable as possible so we only charge £160 for a Single Will and £260 for Mirror Wills. All of our costs are indicated before you commit to providing instructions and you don’t pay until we provide you with draft documents. We are insured for the work we undertake and have over 35 years experience in drafting Wills and associated legal documents. To provide you with even more confidence in your decision to trust SLS, our documents are drafter by founder Sara Sheppard who hold the prestigious STEP qualification as well as being on the Society of Will Writer’s Professional Standards Board.
Any professional worth their money will provide you with initial guidance and support. Be sure to check our Google Reviews to see what our clients think of the service we offer. If price is a barrier, we do offer flexible payment options. Remember – a Will is a vitally important document. When you’re ready to book an appointment, speak to SLS Wills and More.