People often search “How much should I pay for a Will” because they’re trying to balance cost with peace of mind. And while price matters, the type of will you choose is far more important — especially if you own a home or want to make sure your estate is handled exactly the way you intend.
DIY wills are cheap and tempting, but they’re only suitable for people with extremely simple estates. If you own property or want to ensure your wishes are carried out without complications, a more robust will is essential.
DIY Wills: Only for Very Simple Estates
DIY wills are designed for people who have:
- No property
- No dependants
- No complex wishes
- A few sentimental items to pass on (a car, ornaments, jewellery, keepsakes)
They’re fine if your estate is tiny and straightforward. But the moment you introduce:
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- Savings
- A partner
- Children or blended families
- Specific instructions about how and when people inherit
…a DIY will becomes risky. They’re often rejected or challenged because of unclear wording or incorrect signing. The cost of fixing a bad will later can be far higher than the cost of doing it properly now.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Will?
Basic Single Will
£125–£260 Suitable for simple estates with no property and no long‑term planning needs.
Mirror Wills
£200–£400 Mirror wills are often marketed to couples, but they are not ideal for people over 60. At that stage of life, circumstances can change quickly — and mirror wills offer no flexibility or control once one partner has passed away.
Trust Wills (Recommended for Homeowners)
From £399+ A trust will is the preferred option for anyone who owns a home or wants to ensure their estate is handled exactly as intended. Trust wills allow you to:
- Add structure and control to how your estate is managed
- Decide when and how beneficiaries inherit
- Protect your wishes even if family circumstances change
- Provide long‑term clarity and certainty
Trust wills are not just for large estates — they’re for anyone who wants their home and assets to be passed on smoothly and according to their instructions.
Why Mirror Wills Are Not Suitable for People Over 60
Mirror wills simply say, “Everything to each other, then to the children.” That sounds simple, but it creates problems for older couples because:
- They offer no control after the first partner dies
- They don’t adapt to changing family situations
- They can unintentionally redirect the estate in ways you didn’t plan
At 60+, most people want more certainty and more structure. A trust‑based will provides that.
Why Homeowners Should Choose a Trust Will
If you own a home, a trust will gives you:
- Clear instructions about how your share of the property is handled
- Control over what happens after you pass away
- The ability to structure inheritance in a way that reflects your wishes
- Long‑term certainty for your family
A basic or mirror will simply passes everything outright. A trust will gives you the ability to plan properly.
So… How Much Should You Pay for a Will?
If you’re a homeowner:
Expect to pay £399+ for a trust‑based will that gives you clarity, structure, and long‑term control.
If you’re over 60:
Avoid mirror wills — they don’t offer the flexibility or certainty you need at this stage of life.
If your estate is extremely simple:
A basic will may be enough, but DIY should be your last resort.
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