⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
You do not legally need a solicitor to make a valid will in the UK. This guide explains what makes a will valid, and how to weigh professional advice against an online or DIY route depending on how complex your situation is
There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to make a valid will in the UK, but the formal rules depend on which part of the UK you are in. In England & Wales and in Northern Ireland, a will is generally valid if the person making it is 18 or over, has the mental capacity to understand what they are doing, and signs it in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign.
Scotland has its own rules: a person aged 12 or over can generally make a will, and a will signed by the person making it usually needs only one witness to be self-proving. Our guide to Scottish and English wills compares the two. The rules for your part of the UK apply whichever route you choose.
So the real question is not “must I use a solicitor?” but “how much guidance does my situation call for?” For many people with straightforward wishes an online service or a DIY route is enough; others prefer the tailored advice a solicitor can give. This is general information, not advice about your own position.
Three questions usually matter more than any rule of thumb. There is no single right answer. They are simply the factors that most often make professional advice worth considering.
Trusts, business interests, or assets held in more than one country add legal complexity that is easy to get wrong without advice.
Blended families, dependants who need ongoing support, or a wish to leave someone out can raise the risk of a later challenge.
A structured online service guides you step by step, but a solicitor can answer questions that are specific to your own circumstances.
Trusts, business interests or larger estates where inheritance tax planning matters can benefit from tailored advice to reduce the risk of an unclear or invalid will.
Blended families, dependants who need ongoing support, or a wish to leave someone out can raise the risk of a challenge, where professional wording may help.
If you hold property or accounts abroad, you may wish to consider how your wills work together. Read our multi-jurisdiction wills guidance for the wider picture.
Cost is one factor among several. The ranges below are typical UK market prices for each route, dated and sourced. They are not our own pricing and are shown only to help you weigh cost against the level of guidance you want. For a fuller breakdown, see our guide to how much a will costs in the UK.
Typical UK market ranges for informational purposes only. Prices vary by provider, region and estate complexity, and may change over time. Always check the source and consult a professional before deciding.
£0 to £50
A blank template or paper booklet you complete yourself. No review of your circumstances and no guidance, so mistakes that make a will invalid are easy to miss.
Source: citizensadvice.org.uk (opens in a new tab) · as of 22 Jul 2026
£50 to £150
A guided questionnaire that produces a will, typically with optional checks, secure storage or expert review depending on the provider.
Source: moneyhelper.org.uk (opens in a new tab) · as of 22 Jul 2026
£150 to £300
A qualified solicitor drafts the will and advises on your specific situation. Prices vary by firm and region.
Source: moneyhelper.org.uk (opens in a new tab) · as of 22 Jul 2026
£500 to £1,000+
Bespoke advice for larger or more complex estates (trusts, business assets or property overseas), where tailored drafting may be worthwhile.
Source: which.co.uk (opens in a new tab) · as of 22 Jul 2026
No. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to make a valid will anywhere in the UK, but the formal rules differ between its legal systems. In England & Wales and in Northern Ireland, a will is generally valid if the person making it is 18 or over, has the mental capacity to do so, and signs it in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign. In Scotland, a person aged 12 or over can generally make a will, and a signed will usually needs only one witness to be self-proving. Many people use an online will service or a DIY route, while others prefer a solicitor. The right choice depends on how complex your situation is.
A solicitor tends to help most when your circumstances are less straightforward, for example a blended family, business ownership, assets in more than one country, a possible dispute, or a wish to set up trusts. In those cases professional advice can reduce the risk of a will being unclear or challenged. This is general information rather than advice about your own position.
For many people with straightforward wishes, a structured online service can produce a valid will provided it is signed and witnessed correctly. The key difference is that a solicitor can give tailored advice, whereas an online or DIY route relies on you understanding your own situation. Whichever route you choose, the signing and witnessing rules still apply.
Costs vary widely by route. DIY kits and online services are usually the least expensive, while a solicitor-drafted will typically costs more, rising further for complex estates. Our companion guide sets out typical market price ranges, dated and sourced, so you can weigh cost against the level of guidance you want.
Yes. Many people begin with a structured online will to capture their wishes and then seek professional advice if their situation becomes more complex, for instance after buying property abroad or starting a business. A will can be updated or replaced at any time while you have capacity, so the two routes are not mutually exclusive.
Compare typical DIY, online and solicitor price ranges, dated and sourced, and see what each route tends to include.
Understand the age, capacity and witnessing rules that make a will valid, whichever route you use to write it.
See how the rules of intestacy distribute an estate when there is no valid will in place.
Whether you want structured prompts to write your own will or professional advice for a more complex estate, you have options. Start with guided questions, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
Have questions about this topic? Join the discussion in our community forum. Get answers from verified professionals and other members.
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