Making a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and your assets. But with online will services making it easier than ever to create a document in minutes, many people are left wondering whether they still need a solicitor at all.
The honest answer is: it depends. An online will can be a perfectly valid legal document if it meets the requirements of the Wills Act 1837 – but the risks of getting it wrong are significant, and those mistakes often only come to light after the person has died.
At The Legal Practice, our Wills and Probate team works with clients at every stage of this decision – from those with the simplest of estates to those with complex family and financial arrangements.
This guide sets out the key differences between online wills and solicitor-drafted wills, the situations where each is appropriate, and what you need to know before choosing the right path.
Key Takeaways
- Both can be legally valid: An online will is not automatically invalid – but it must meet strict legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837 to hold up.
- Online wills suit simple estates: If you have no property, no dependents, no business interests, and a straightforward family situation, an online will may be sufficient.
- Solicitor wills offer full protection: A solicitor ensures your wishes are expressed clearly, legally, and in a way that minimises the risk of disputes or invalid clauses.
- Errors can invalidate a will: Incorrect signing, ambiguous wording, or missing witnesses can render an online will invalid – often discovered only after death.
- Complex estates need professional advice: Blended families, business ownership, overseas assets, or inheritance tax concerns all require a solicitor-drafted will.
- Cost should not be the only factor: The cost of resolving a disputed or invalid will can far exceed the cost of having it professionally drafted in the first place.
What Is an Online Will?
An online will is created using a digital tool or template – typically a questionnaire that generates a will document based on your answers. GOV.UK provides guidance on making a will and there are a number of commercial platforms offering this service, often for a low fixed fee or even free of charge.
The appeal is clear – it is fast, accessible, and inexpensive. For someone with a genuinely simple estate and no complications, it can produce a serviceable document without the cost of professional advice.
However, online will tools are template-based. They cannot ask the right follow-up questions, identify issues you have not thought of, or adapt to your specific circumstances. They provide a form – not legal advice.
What Is a Solicitor-Drafted Will?
A solicitor-drafted will is prepared with the full involvement of a qualified solicitor who understands your personal circumstances, your assets, and your wishes. The Law Society recommends taking professional advice for anyone with property, dependants, or a non-straightforward family situation.
A solicitor will guide you through decisions you may not have considered – from the best choice of executor, to what happens if a beneficiary dies before you, to whether your estate may be subject to inheritance tax.
At The Legal Practice, a simple will starts from £300+VAT, with mirror wills for couples from £500+VAT. All work is carried out by qualified solicitors, and a free initial consultation is available for new clients.
Not sure which type of will is right for your situation? We offer a free initial consultation.
Online Will vs Solicitor Will – Key Differences
The table below sets out the main differences between the two options across the areas that matter most when planning your estate.
| Feature | Online Will | Solicitor-Drafted Will |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to £100+ | From £300 + VAT (simple will) |
| Time to Complete | Minutes to hours | Days to weeks (including consultation) |
| Legal Guidance | None, template only | Full solicitor advice throughout |
| Complex Estates | Not suitable | Fully handled |
| Validity Risk | Higher, errors are common | Minimal, solicitor-verified |
| Contested Wills | Higher risk without legal structure | Lower risk, properly drafted |
| Executors | Named by you, no guidance given | Advised on best options |
| IHT Planning | Not included | Considered and integrated |
Online will costs vary by provider. Always confirm current fees before proceeding with any service.
Bottom Line: For a straightforward estate with no property, no dependants, and no complex family arrangements, an online will may be a reasonable starting point. In almost every other situation, a solicitor-drafted will provide meaningfully stronger protection at a modest additional cost.
Our Wills and Probate team is ready to help you protect what matters most.
When an Online Will May Be Suitable
An online will can be appropriate in a limited set of circumstances. If your estate is genuinely simple, the risk of errors may be manageable – provided you execute the document correctly.
An online will may be sufficient if you are single with no children and few assets, you are leaving everything to one person without conditions, your estate has no property, no business interests, and no overseas assets, and there are no estranged family members who might make a claim.
Even in simple cases, the document must be signed in front of two independent witnesses who are both present at the same time, in line with the Wills Act 1837. A will that is incorrectly witnessed is not legally valid, regardless of how clearly your intentions are expressed.
When Do You Need a Solicitor?
There are circumstances where using a solicitor is not just advisable – it is essential. The cost of a poorly drafted or invalid will can far outweigh the cost of getting professional help from the outset.
You should use a solicitor if any of the following applies to your situation.
- You own property: How property passes on death depends on how it is owned. A solicitor ensures it is correctly dealt with in your will and considers tax implications.
- You have children: Guardianship, trust provisions, and age-contingent gifts all require careful drafting that a template cannot reliably accommodate.
- You are in a blended family: Step-children, second marriages, and competing claims from previous relationships make professional drafting essential.
- You run a business: Business succession is complex. A solicitor ensures your will integrates with any partnership agreements or shareholder arrangements.
- Your estate may be subject to inheritance tax: A solicitor can advise on available reliefs and structure your will to minimise the tax burden on your beneficiaries.
- You have assets overseas: International assets may be governed by different legal systems and require specific professional guidance.
How The Legal Practice Can Help
Our Wills and Probate team has decades of combined experience helping individuals and families across London and nationwide plan their estates with confidence. We also offer an online will creation tool for clients with genuinely straightforward needs who prefer to complete the process remotely.
For those who want the reassurance of full solicitor involvement, we offer fixed fees with no hidden costs, and a free initial consultation to help you decide which route is right for you. Video appointments are available nationwide across all our services.
As an SRA-authorised and regulated firm, all work is carried out by qualified solicitors and backed by professional indemnity insurance – so you can be confident your will is prepared to the highest professional standard.
Ready to make your will? Get expert advice with a free initial consultation today.
Final Thoughts
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. The choice between an online will and a solicitor-drafted will should be based on your circumstances – not just the cost.
For simple estates, an online will can be a starting point – but only if executed correctly and reviewed regularly as your circumstances change. For almost everyone else, the peace of mind that comes with professional drafting is well worth the investment.
If you are unsure where to start, our team at The Legal Practice offers a free initial consultation with no obligation. You can reach us on 020 8903 7017, on WhatsApp at 07880927149, or through our Wills and Probate service page – because getting your will right today means protecting the people you love for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an online will legally valid in the UK?
An online will can be legally valid if it meets the requirements of the Wills Act 1837 – signed by the testator and witnessed by two independent adults present simultaneously. However, errors in execution are common and can render the document invalid.
2. How much does it cost to have a solicitor write your will?
At The Legal Practice, a simple will starts from £300+VAT and mirror wills for couples from £500+VAT. Costs vary depending on complexity. A free initial consultation is available to discuss your specific needs.
3. Can I use an online will if I have children?
You can name a guardian in an online will, but a solicitor-drafted will is strongly recommended where children are involved. A solicitor ensures guardianship, trust provisions, and financial arrangements for your children are properly and clearly expressed.
4. What makes a will invalid in the UK?
Under the Wills Act 1837, a will is invalid if not correctly signed, not witnessed by two independent adults, or if the testator lacked mental capacity at the time of signing. Ambiguous wording can also lead to disputes.
5. Do I need a solicitor if my estate is straightforward?
Not always – a genuinely simple estate with no property, no dependants, and no complex family arrangements may be suitable for an online will. Even then, a solicitor review is advisable to ensure the document is correctly executed and reflects your intentions.
6. Can an online will be contested?
Yes – any will can be contested, but online wills carry a higher risk due to potential drafting errors, ambiguous wording, or questions about testamentary capacity. A solicitor-drafted will is more robust, as it includes professional verification of the testator’s wishes and capacity.
7. What is a mirror will and do I need one?
Mirror wills are near-identical wills made by two people – typically spouses or partners – leaving estates to each other and then to the same beneficiaries. At The Legal Practice, mirror wills start from £500+VAT and are a cost-effective option for couples with shared assets.
Important Notice: The information in this article is intended as general guidance only and should not be relied upon as legal or tax advice. The Legal Practice Solicitors does not advise on inheritance tax planning or provide financial or tax advice. Specific advice should always be obtained from an appropriately qualified accountant, tax specialist, or independent financial adviser.