Do I have to go through with the will ?

[GeneLovesJezebel]

I went to see a solicitor about writing a will. The email said it was a free discussion and gave a price of a basic will.
I had the discussion and when the email came with the price it was more than twice the basic price.
Do I have to proceed ?

No, as long as that was only the quote for drafting the type of will you discussed at your free appointment. If, however, you had instructed your solicitor to draft the non basic will you would have to pay, but presumably you would have then been made aware of the cost at the free appointment.

There was no talk of money at the chat.
I’ve had an email asking me if I want to proceed.

I’m frightened to say I don’t want it for them to then say I’ve got to pay. It’s actually making me anxious.

You haven't instructed them yet so there's nothing to pay. Only if you were to tell them to go ahead at the price they've quoted would you need to pay them.

It’s just a quote, it doesn’t sound like you’re under any obligation at all.

The email does ask if I’m happy to proceed.

Just say you’re not, it’s fine, that’s normal!

Just reply and say you need to consider it.

Then conisder it. Either they will send a standard nudge letter over the next couple of months then tell you they are archiving your file or you will decide to go ahead.

Or you could enquire from other firms the price. The firm where we got our wills done did not provide 'free half hours' but a truly basic will was £150 plus VAT which to my mind is a good deal in getting an expert to draftt one. (we are pretty rural though!)

@GeneLovesJezebel

The email does ask if I’m happy to proceed.

Reply and say no this quote is much higher than you led me to believe and I won’t be proceeding on that basis.

(or tell them you are not proceeding as @Rockthefatskillz says)

Just write
"Dear X, thank you for your help. I will not be proceeding at this time, as the price is higher than I would like/am able to pay. Kind regards, OP"
They won't find this unusual or be hurt or challenge you.

Ok, thanks.
I just feel bad, but it’s double the basic price I was told.

Yeah because they told you what a “basic will” costs.

A basic will would be like “I leave everything to my husband and my friend Mary is the executor”.

The moment you add in anything more complicated the price goes up because it takes them longer.

So neither of you have done anything wrong. You’ve explained what you want, they’ve told you their price, that’s too much for you.

So get some quotes from other firms and decide how much you’re willing/able to spend.

For now just reply saying you’re considering matters and will be in touch if you decide to proceed.

They won’t be offended or annoyed, this is all just part of doing business.

This firm quoted a basic will as £220. Ive since asked another firm and they quoted £150. That’s a big difference.
I assumed they’d all be about the same.

When we were firm shopping for our wills we had the £150 plus VAT then to a £700 plus VAT range. (That is per person). Ours was fairly straightforward but not really really basic. It involved a disabled trust for our eldest. (Just saying one would be set up, who the trustees were and how the funds were to be released in tranches). Really NOT complicated for any probate lawyer (I used to be one myself way back in the day before giving up law, but will clauses can be really easy to fuck up so I wanted an expert with current expertise to write it!). So more complicated than the basic, but definitely not worth paying top price. (Again- rural).

There will be lots of variation in prices, just like you would pay different amounts for t shirts in different shops. Always get at least 3 quotes for something major like a will.

I’ve sent the email 😱😱😱

Keep an eye out for Wills Week in your area. Lots of companies will write your will for you for free. You just have to make a donation to a local charity.

The most important thing is to get your Will done as it will cost your family a lot more £ if you die intestate
They really won't care