This is the question we get asked the most, and the answer is always it depends. Which is probably not what most people want to hear.

So, I thought I would use this article to try and explain why it depends and give some answers that will guide you.

Let’s get the first elephant out of the room – it is possible to make your own Will for free. If your circumstances are very straightforward and you know the rules of how to draw one up. It is however fraught with dangers and not recommended.

The first factor in deciding the cost of writing your Will is whether it is just for you, or for you and a partner. A pair of Wills tends to be cheaper than two single Wills. Although couples tend to have more complex situations which can push the cost up.

Next, your relationship status will have a bearing on the cost. It will tend to be more expensive if you have children from multiple relationships or if you are unmarried and need tax planning advice.

The third factor is protecting your assets, if you are looking to protect your family home it will be more complex and hence more expensive.

Which brings us to the next elephant in the room…

– Why do you see adverts all the time saying make your Will for £19.99 or £24.99?

Put simply these are a ‘Sprat to catch a Mackerel’ often firms will advertise a very low cost, just to get you to make an appointment and get their salesman in front of you. These offers are not genuine and I have never met a person who paid £19.99 or £24.99 after meeting with one of these firms but I have met dozens who were convinced to spend thousands after experiencing high pressure sales techniques.

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is, after all a DIY Will pack from WH Smith costs £24.99 (definitely not recommended) and they don’t send a salesman round. You should tread cautiously.

At the other end of the scale, there are now a couple of the larger solicitors firms in the area who have introduced a minimum fee, one is £799 plus VAT the other £849 plus VAT which brings us to our final elephant, make sure you are comparing like with like.

For some reason many law firms are less than transparent with their pricing, preferring to quote a ‘plus VAT’ price than the actual price you will pay – £799 plus VAT actually means you will be paying a bill of £958.80 and £849 plus Vat is really £1018.80, a big difference.

In conclusion, look for a firm that is transparent with their costs. Publishes a price list on their website. Is not too cheap – they have high pressure salespeople. Is not too expensive – the advice doesn’t get better just because it costs more. A firm that you feel comfortable with and that is going to charge you a reasonable fee for what is very important advice.

Will and Probate Services are specialists in disability and inheritance planning, we want to help you answer your questions and put a plan in place that is right for you and your child.

Call one of our advisors below to book your free initial consultation. We offer free consultations in your home or at our offices, whichever is convenient for you.