Ever had that nagging thought about what happens to your stuff after you’re gone? Yeah, me too. In 2026, with living costs up and families more complicated than ever (blended families, crypto assets, you name it), sorting your will isn’t just smart – it’s essential. We’re diving into UK will writing services, pitting proper solicitors against those tempting DIY kits. I’ll keep it real, chatty, and packed with 2026 updates so you can decide without the headache. Let’s make sure your wishes stick, not get tangled in probate drama.
Why Bother with a Will in 2026?
Without a will, intestacy rules kick in – your estate goes by a rigid formula that might leave your partner skint or your kids fighting. In 2026, probate fees are steady at £273 for estates under £5k (rising to £1,500+ for bigger ones), but delays average 8-10 months thanks to backlogs. A solid will speeds things up, cuts taxes, and protects what matters.
Life’s messier now: digital assets (Bitcoin wallets, OnlyFans earnings), cohabiting couples with no auto rights, and care home fees eating estates. HMRC’s inheritance tax (IHT) threshold stays £325k per person (or £500k with residence nil-rate band for direct descendants), but thresholds freeze till 2028. Get it wrong, and 40% IHT bites. Bottom line: a will saves your loved ones time, tears, and thousands.
Solicitor Will Writing: The Gold Standard
Solicitors are trained pros who draft watertight wills, handle complexities, and store them safely. Expect a chat (in-person, video, or phone), then a bespoke document covering executors, guardians, trusts for kids, IHT planning, and even pet provisions.
In 2026, costs range £300-£800 for a single straightforward will, £500-£1,200 for couples/mirror wills. Complex stuff (businesses, farms, international assets)? £1,500+. Many offer lifetime updates for a fee (£100-£200/year). Firms like Co-op Legal, Wills Online (solicitor-backed), or local high-street ones shine.
Pros: Legally bulletproof, peace of mind, they spot pitfalls like undue influence claims. Cons: Pricier upfront. But think long-term – a botched will costs £10k+ in disputes.
DIY Will Kits: Cheap and Cheerful?
DIY kits from Amazon, WHSmith, or online (Legal & General, Which?) cost £10-£50. You fill templates, sign with witnesses, done. Some digital ones (Rocket Lawyer) guide you via app for £20-£100.
Great for simple setups: single person, no kids, basic assets. In 2026, apps use AI for basic drafting, but still need witnesses (two non-beneficiaries, over 18).
Pros: Super cheap, quick (30 mins), empowering. Cons: One mistake (vague wording, no residuary clause) and it’s invalid. Courts reject 1 in 5 DIY wills. No storage, no advice on trusts or tax.
Real talk: If your life’s a soap opera – exes, special needs kids, crypto – DIY’s a gamble.
Cost Breakdown: 2026 UK Prices at a Glance
Here’s a handy table comparing 2026 averages (sourced from Law Society, Which?, and recent quotes; prices vary by location/provider):
| Service Type | Single Will Cost | Couples/Mirror Wills | Extras (Storage/Updates) | Best For |
| Solicitor (High St) | £350-£600 | £500-£900 | £50/year storage; £150/update | Complex estates, families |
| Online Solicitor | £150-£400 | £250-£700 | Often free digital storage | Straightforward, busy pros |
| Premium Solicitor | £500-£1,000+ | £800-£1,500+ | Lifetime service £200/yr | Businesses, high net worth |
| DIY Kit (Shop) | £15-£40 | £25-£60 | None | Simple, no kids/no property |
| Online DIY/App | £20-£100 | £40-£150 | Digital storage £10/yr | Tech-savvy basics |
Note: VAT included where applicable. Add £100-£300 for notarisation if abroad assets.
When Solicitors Save You a Packet
Solicitors excel at tax dodges. Example: Married couple, £600k estate. Without planning, £80k IHT. With deeds of variation or trusts? Slash to £20k. They set up discretionary trusts for minors (money released at 18/21/25), life interest trusts for spouses.
2026 perk: Remote witnessing permanent post-COVID, solicitor video calls count. For blended families, they draft letters of wishes to guide executors without legal binding.
Case study: Sarah, 52, second marriage, £400k house. DIY left stepkids claiming half – solicitor redraft with life interest trust protected her kids. Saved £50k+ in fights.
DIY Success Stories (and Horror Stories)
DIY works if simple. Tom, 28, rents, no dependents: £25 kit, named mate executor, charity legacy. Smooth.
But horrors abound: Auntie’s DIY misspelt beneficiary name – court ruled invalid, estate split intestate. Or forgotten digital passwords – executors can’t access £20k crypto.
2026 tip: Use gov.uk’s free will template if super basic, but pair with advice.
Step-by-Step: Choosing Your Path
- Assess complexity: Kids under 18? Property? Business? Go solicitor. Single/renter? DIY maybe.
- List assets: House, savings, ISAs, pensions, crypto, domain names.
- Name team: Executors (spouse + trusted pal/solicitor), guardians for kids.
- Shop around: Get 3 quotes. Check reviews on Trustpilot, Law Society register.
- Sign & store: Two witnesses, keep original safe (solicitor vault or National Will Register).
- Review every 5 years/life events: Marriage invalidates old wills!
Budget hack: Free wills months (charities like CRY offer solicitor wills for donation).
2026 Legal Updates You Can’t Ignore
- Digital assets: Wills must specify access (password managers, blockchain keys). Executors need Letter of Wishes.
- Probate digital: HMCTS fully online by 2026 – faster but needs PA1P form perfect.
- IHT changes: Thresholds frozen, but business/agricultural reliefs tweaked – solicitors optimise.
- Cohabitee rights: Still zilch without will – push for “Cohabitation Rights Bill” monitoring.
- Eco-wills: Growing trend for carbon-neutral legacies, solicitor trusts for green causes.
Trusts: Solicitor Secret Weapon
DIY can’t touch trusts properly. Protective trusts shield from care fees (divorce-proof too). Bare trusts for grandkids’ education. Solicitor drafts cost £300-£800 extra, but save £100k+ in IHT/care.
Example table for trust impact:
| Scenario | No Trust IHT | With Trust IHT |
| £500k Estate (couple) | £60k | £10k |
| Care Fees Risk | High | Low (protected) |
Executor Nightmares: Avoid Them
Executors handle probate – 6-12 months stress. Bad will? They pay from pocket for fixes. Solicitor wills name pros as executors (£1k-£3k fee, worth it for peace).
Hybrid Option: Online Solicitors
Best of both? Platforms like Farewill, Will Writers (£99-£300) use solicitor oversight with DIY ease. Video signing, digital storage. 2026 ratings: 4.8/5 stars.
Myths Busted
- “Solicitors are rip-offs”: Nah, £400 buys bulletproof vs. £20k court.
- “DIY if young”: Life’s unpredictable – car crash at 30? Will it.
- “Marriage cancels will”: Yes, update post-wedding.
Read More: UK Pension Planning 2026: State Pension vs. Private Pots – Which Should You Prioritise?
Cost-Saving Tips for 2026
- Charity will schemes: Free solicitor will, £80+ donation.
- Couples bundles: 20-30% off.
- Group deals: Affinity schemes via unions/clubs.
- DIY + review: Write yourself, pay solicitor £100 to check.
Your Action Plan Today
Grab paper: List loved ones, assets, wishes. Simple? DIY kit from Which?. Worried? Book solicitor consult (often free 30 mins).
Real legacy? Not stuff – ensuring your family’s drama-free. Don’t delay