Solicitor or will-writer? Why it’s important to know the difference
In the UK, anyone can write a Will. This means that you can write it yourself or choose a solicitor or a will-writing business to write it on your behalf.
Whichever option you choose, it is important that you understand what you are buying, and your rights if things go wrong.
What do you need to know about will-writing services?
The unregulated will-writing service area, along with on-line divorce and pre-paid probate plans, was investigated in 2023 by the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA).
This was sparked by complaints about 'particularly concerning practices' and ‘misleading or aggressive' sales tactics.
After issuing warning letters to seven unnamed companies, the CMA has now provided guidance on what to consider when buying will-writing services.
What’s the difference between solicitors and will-writers?
Will-writers, although often cheaper than solicitors, frequently have no legal qualifications and are unregulated which means you have no-one to complain to if something goes wrong.
Solicitors, on the other hand, have professional legal qualifications, are regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority and must have professional indemnity insurance. This means you have somewhere to go for redress and to claim compensation.
- From April (2025), the CMA has new direct enforcement powers meaning it can decide whether key consumer protection laws have been breached without having to take businesses to court. It will also be able to take direct action to tackle these breaches including through fines and redress.
Why should I make my Will with a qualified solicitor?
A correctly drawn up Will is an inexpensive way of avoiding difficulties in the future for your family and friends after your death.
At a time when the number of disputes over Wills is growing, making your Will as robust as possible is important just in case it is challenged in the future.
It also gives you the chance to take wealth preservation steps to structure your affairs, not only to minimise your liability for inheritance tax, but to maximise tax relief too.
Our specialist Wills and Probate solicitors are all highly experienced. Many are members of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Both organisations require the highest standards from its members with proven qualifications and experience.
Get in touch
Wards Solicitors wins high praise in the 2025 edition of the independent Legal 500 guide of outstanding legal professionals for its exceptional professional service standards and high levels of technical expertise.
It has also recently been named as Regional Law Firm of the Year by Bristol Law Society and our Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team has just scooped the Devon and Somerset Law Society’s Private Client Team of the Year.
To make or update your Will, please contact any member of our highly experienced Wills and Mental Capacity Team.