The Hidden Dangers of Will Writing Services in the UK – What You Need to Know

Creating a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your assets are passed on according to your wishes. But in the UK, a growing number of people are turning to Will writing services that promise a quick, cheap, and simple solution. Unfortunately, not all of these services are created equal—and in some cases, they can cause more harm than good.

In this blog, we explore the risks associated with Will writing services, and how you can make sure your final wishes are legally sound and protected.

1. Lack of Regulation

One of the biggest dangers is that Will writing is not a regulated legal service in England and Wales. This means anyone can set up a business offering to write Wills, regardless of their legal expertise or qualifications.

• There is no requirement for Will writers to have legal training.
• There is no governing body to oversee quality or conduct (unlike solicitors, who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority).
• If something goes wrong, you may have limited or no recourse.

This opens the door to unqualified or unscrupulous operators offering services that may not stand up in court.

2. Poorly Drafted Wills Can Be Legally Invalid

Even minor mistakes in a Will can lead to serious legal consequences. Common errors include:

• Failing to sign the Will properly or have the right witnesses.
• Using unclear or ambiguous language.
• Not accounting for inheritance tax or jointly held property.

A poorly drafted Will can be contested, ignored, or even declared invalid, meaning your estate could end up being distributed under intestacy rules—effectively the same as dying without a Will.

3. Hidden Costs and Upselling

Many budget Will writing services advertise prices as low as £20–£50. But be wary—these low fees often come with strings attached:

• Extra charges for storage, amendments, or more complex clauses.
• Pressure to appoint the Will writing firm as executor, often for a percentage of the estate, which can be far more expensive than a fixed solicitor’s fee.
• Aggressive upselling of trusts or lasting powers of attorney that may not be necessary.

What starts as a cheap service can quickly spiral into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

4. No Insurance or Professional Indemnity Cover

If a regulated solicitor makes a mistake, you’re covered by professional indemnity insurance. If your Will writer isn't regulated or insured, and something goes wrong, your family might have no financial protection—and little chance of compensation.

5. Limited Understanding of Complex Estates

If your estate includes:

• Business interests
• Property abroad
• Blended families (e.g. second marriages)
• Disabled beneficiaries
• Large or taxable estates

then a generic Will writing service is often not equipped to deal with this complexity. This can result in incorrect advice, disputes, and unintended consequences, such as disinheriting loved ones or triggering unexpected tax liabilities.

6. Lack of Ongoing Support

Our personal circumstances often change. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and property purchases all affect your estate. Many Will writing services offer one-off documents and then disappear, leaving you without guidance on when or how to update your Will. A good solicitor, on the other hand, can provide ongoing advice as your situation evolves.

Final Thoughts

Your Will is not just a document—it’s a legal safeguard for your family’s future. The wrong advice or a poorly written Will can leave your loved ones with legal battles, additional grief and stress, and financial loss. Whilst the idea of saving money with a budget Will writing service may be tempting, the risks often outweigh the rewards.

When it comes to protecting your estate and your loved ones, quality legal advice is worth the investment.

If you need help drafting a Will or reviewing your existing Will, please contact the Private Client Team at Jordans Solicitors who will be happy to assist you further.