Writing a will - how much does it cost?

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That's it really.

DH and I really should sort out our will. We have three children and own our house (or rather the mortgage!)

Any one else done theirs recently - just a ballpark figure would be good. Thanks.

£400-£500 maybe, it depends what you have done. Once you get in to it there is a bit to think of, eg trustees to manage your estate were you both to die. Who would you want to look after the kids? When would you want them to get the money 18? 21? and so on.

I suppose there is a lot to think about before we even start going to a solicitor.

I phoned around today, about half a dozen solicitors, and the prices ranged from £120 plus VAT to over £400 plus VAT.

So why the huge price difference - would the cheap one be a less good will than the more expensive one? Arghh

A cheap Will is just as good - it would probably be done by a more junior level solicitor but would be fine.

The Co-op has a will writing and legal sevrice. Not sure, but think it is about £150.00 for a pretty simple will. They interview you by telephone and then write it up and you look at it and send it back for nay changes as required.

The cost depends on a range of things.

A basic will is cheaper than a complex one or one involving tax planning. A bespoke will costs more as it isn't just taken from a template on the computer. You are also paying for the solicitor's time.

A couples will is dearer than a single will obviously.

An experienced solicitor specialising int he area of law will be dearer than going to a general practise solicitor.

A will writing company will be cheaper than going to a proper solicitor.

A will must be written carefully and so that it is completely unambiguous, hence the legal seak and lack of punctuation in proper wills.

My DH works in this area of law and I got some quotes for a collaegue last week. He now charges £200 for a couple's will, without tax planning, etc. This includes VAT.

A good solicitor will ask you all the necessary questions and possible scenarios, don't worry. And you can ask thm, when you call, for suggestions of what you need to consider.

Please avoid a will writing company.

Thanks Hulababy.

I will ask around the area and see if anyone locally has had one done recently that they can recommend I think.

Without extensive tax planning advice or large estates/business/agricultural/foreign assets issues

£75 plus vat for single will

£95 for joint mirror wills (ie spouses with largely the same will content.)

This type of will work is undertaken as a loss leader in some practices - but it is the bedrock of building a good reputation and a clientele from which probate work can arise.

(ie hence price differential)