How to Write a Will in the UK Without a Solicitor [2026 Guide]

Can you write a will without a solicitor in the UK? Yes. Absolutely. And it's completely legal.

Will writing is not a reserved legal activity in England and Wales. That means anyone can write their own will, and anyone can offer will writing services — with or without legal qualifications. Citizens Advice confirms this. The Law Society confirms this. It's simply a fact.

In 2025, for the first time, more than half of all will users (51%) chose non-solicitor services. The old assumption that you need a solicitor for a will is dying — because it was never true in the first place.

Here's exactly what you need to know to write a valid will without a solicitor, what makes a will legally binding, and when you genuinely should use one.

What the Law Says: The Wills Act 1837

The legal requirements for a valid will in England and Wales are set out in the Wills Act 1837. Despite being nearly 200 years old, this law still governs how wills work today.

A will is legally valid if it meets three conditions:

1. It Must Be in Writing

Your will must be written — either typed or handwritten (a handwritten will is called a "holographic will"). Typed wills are recommended because they're clearer and less likely to cause disputes.

A verbal "deathbed wish" is not a valid will (except in extremely rare cases involving military personnel on active service).

2. It Must Be Signed by the Testator

You (the "testator" — the person making the will) must sign the will. If you're physically unable to sign, someone else can sign on your behalf in your presence and at your direction.

3. It Must Be Witnessed by Two People

Two witnesses must be present when you sign. They must then sign the will themselves. The specific rules:

• Both witnesses must be present at the same time when you sign
• Both must be 18 or older
• Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will
• Witnesses cannot be married to or in a civil partnership with a beneficiary
• Witnesses don't need to read the will — they just need to see you sign it

That's it. Those are the only legal requirements. Notice what's not on the list:

• No requirement for a solicitor
• No requirement for legal qualifications
• No requirement for registration
• No requirement for a specific format or template
• No requirement for professional review

A will written on the back of a napkin, signed and properly witnessed, is technically legally valid. We wouldn't recommend it — but it demonstrates how simple the legal requirements are.

Your Options for Writing a Will Without a Solicitor

Option 1: Write It Yourself (Completely DIY)

You can literally write your own will from scratch on a blank piece of paper. It's legal.

Pros: Free. Complete control.

Cons: High risk of errors. You need to get the legal wording right. Common mistakes include ambiguous language ("I leave my things to my family"), failing to include a residuary clause (who gets everything not specifically mentioned), and not revoking previous wills. Mistakes in DIY wills are the most common source of inheritance disputes.

Cost: Free (but potential for expensive mistakes)

Option 2: Use a DIY Will Kit

Will kits are available from WHSmith, Amazon, and other retailers. They provide a template with fill-in-the-blank sections and basic guidance.

Pros: Cheap. Provides some structure.

Cons: Limited guidance. The templates may not cover your specific situation. You're still responsible for getting it right. No one checks your work.

Cost: £10–£30

Option 3: Use an Online Will Writing Service

Online services guide you through a questionnaire and generate a professionally formatted will from your answers. This is the middle ground between DIY and a solicitor.

Pros: Guided process. Professionally structured documents. Much cheaper than a solicitor. Covers common scenarios thoroughly.

Cons: Not suitable for very complex estates. Typically self-service (no human review unless you pay more).

Cost: £9.99 (CheapWills) to £169 (Which? Wills)

At CheapWills, the questionnaire takes about 10 minutes. The templates are designed and approved by a solicitor. You download a properly formatted will as a PDF for £9.99.

Option 4: Use a Professional Will Writer

Will writers are professionals who specialise in writing wills but aren't solicitors. They're typically cheaper than solicitors and many visit your home.

Pros: Professional guidance. Can handle moderately complex situations. Cheaper than solicitors.

Cons: Unregulated (though many belong to the IPW or SWW). Quality varies. Still £150+ in most cases.

Cost: £150–£300

What to Include in Your Will

Whether you write it yourself or use a service, your will should cover:

Essential Elements

• Revocation clause — states that this will revokes all previous wills
• Your full name and address — so there's no confusion about who made the will
• Appointment of executors — the people who'll carry out your wishes (name at least one, ideally two)
• Beneficiaries — who gets what, identified by full name and relationship to you
• Residuary estate clause — who gets everything not specifically mentioned
• Attestation clause — the section where you and your witnesses sign

Common Additions

• Guardians for children under 18
• Specific gifts — particular items or cash amounts to named people
• Trust provisions — conditions on when children can inherit (e.g., at age 21 rather than 18)
• Funeral wishes — burial or cremation preferences
• Letters of wishes — non-binding guidance for your executors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ambiguous language — "I leave everything to my children" is fine; "I leave my stuff to the kids" could cause disputes
• Forgetting the residuary clause — without it, anything not specifically gifted falls under intestacy rules
• Witnesses who are beneficiaries — this is the most common mistake and it invalidates the gift to that witness
• Not revoking previous wills — always include a revocation clause
• Not updating after marriage — marriage automatically revokes a will in England and Wales

When You SHOULD Use a Solicitor

We're a cheap online will service, so we have an obvious interest in saying you don't need a solicitor. So let's be completely honest about when you do.

Use a solicitor if:

You own property abroad. International succession law is complex. Different countries have different rules about who can inherit, and some countries have "forced heirship" rules that override your will. A solicitor can navigate this.

You have complex business interests. Business assets, partnerships, shares in private companies, and agricultural property qualifying for Business or Agricultural Relief need specialist advice.

You're in a blended family. If there's any risk of your will being contested — for example, children from a previous marriage who might challenge provisions for a new spouse — a solicitor can structure your will to minimise disputes.

Your estate needs tax planning. If your estate exceeds the nil-rate band (£325,000, or £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band), you may benefit from inheritance tax planning. This is specialist advice.

You need complex trusts. Simple age-contingent trusts for children (inheriting at 21 instead of 18) are fine in an online will. Discretionary trusts, life interest trusts, and trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries need professional advice.

Someone might challenge it. If there's any realistic possibility of a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, get a solicitor. A professionally drafted will has more weight if challenged.

The Numbers: Who's Using Solicitors and Who Isn't

The 2025 UK Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report tells a clear story:

• 51% of will users chose non-solicitor services in 2025 — the first time this has exceeded solicitor market share
• Solicitors' share dropped to 49%, down from 56% in 2020
• 85% of clients paid fixed fees in 2025
• Median will cost in 2025 was £130
• 40% of UK adults wrongly believe all will writing is regulated (it isn't)

The trend is obvious. People are realising that for straightforward estates, paying £130+ for a solicitor doesn't improve the outcome. Online services produce equally valid wills at a fraction of the price.

That doesn't mean solicitors are obsolete — far from it. Complex estates need professional advice. But the 80%+ of people with straightforward wills are increasingly choosing cheaper, faster alternatives.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Will Without a Solicitor

Here's the process if you use an online service like CheapWills:

1. Gather your information — names and addresses of beneficiaries, executors, and guardians; rough list of your assets; decisions about who gets what
2. Complete the questionnaire — answer questions about your family, assets, and wishes (about 10 minutes at CheapWills)
3. Review your will — read through the generated document carefully before paying
4. Pay and download — £9.99 at CheapWills for a single will (£14.99 for mirror wills)
5. Print your will — standard A4 paper is fine
6. Sign with two witnesses — both present at the same time, neither a beneficiary
7. Store it safely — tell your executors where to find it

Detailed preparation checklist | Signing and witnessing guide

The Cost Argument

The median will cost in 2025 was £130. That's a real barrier for millions of people — and it's why 30 million UK adults don't have a will.

An online will removes that barrier almost entirely. CheapWills charges £9.99 for a legally valid will using solicitor-approved templates. That's 92% cheaper than the median solicitor price.

For straightforward estates, there is no quality difference that justifies the price gap. The Wills Act 1837 requirements are the same. The legal validity is the same. The protection for your family is the same.

The only things a solicitor provides that an online service doesn't are face-to-face advice and SRA regulatory protection. For simple wills, neither of these changes the outcome.

Make your will today for £9.99 — it takes 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally write my own will without a solicitor?

Yes. Will writing is not a reserved legal activity in England and Wales. You can write your own will or use any will writing service. Citizens Advice and the Law Society both confirm this.

Will a will I write myself be legally valid?

Yes, as long as it meets the requirements of the Wills Act 1837: it must be written, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who are both present when you sign. That's all the law requires.

What percentage of people use a solicitor for their will?

In 2025, solicitors' market share dropped to 49% — below half for the first time. 51% of will users chose non-solicitor services including online providers, will writers, and charities.

What is a reserved legal activity?

Reserved legal activities are specific legal tasks that can only be performed by qualified, regulated professionals (solicitors, barristers, etc.). Examples include conducting litigation and appearing as an advocate in court. Will writing is NOT on this list in England and Wales.

How much can I save by not using a solicitor?

The median solicitor will cost £130 in 2025. An online will at CheapWills costs £9.99. That's a saving of over £120 for the same legal outcome on a straightforward estate.

When should I use a solicitor instead of an online service?

Use a solicitor if you own property abroad, have complex business assets, are in a blended family with potential disputes, need inheritance tax planning, or require complex trust arrangements. For straightforward estates, an online service is adequate.