Planning your estate is one of the most important financial steps you can take and cost is usually the first question people ask. Prices vary widely depending on whether you choose a DIY kit, an online will writer or a solicitor, and whether a trust needs to be added for tax planning or asset protection.
This guide breaks down what a will and a trust actually cost in the UK, covering solicitor fees, online providers and hidden charges so you can budget with confidence, compare your options and avoid overpaying.
Will vs Trust: What’s the Difference and Why It Affects Cost
A will is a legal document naming beneficiaries, guardians and an executor, but it only takes effect after death and must go through probate. Without one, intestacy rules decide who inherits, often excluding unmarried partners and stepchildren.
A trust works differently. The settlor transfers assets to a trustee, who manages them for a beneficiary, either immediately, during your lifetime, or through the will after death. Trusts are commonly used to protect assets for children, support a vulnerable relative, reduce Inheritance Tax, or shield property from care home fees.
This difference drives the cost gap. A will is a one-off instruction, quick to draft. A trust is an ongoing legal structure needing a trustee and years of administration, which is why a basic will can cost under £100 while a trust rarely costs less than £500, plus annual running costs.
Average Cost of a Will in the UK
Will prices depend heavily on complexity and who prepares it. Here is a general breakdown based on typical UK market rates.
| Will Type | Provider | Average Cost |
| Basic single will | Online will writer | £30 to £100 |
| Basic single will | High street solicitor | £150 to £300 |
| Mirror wills (couples) | Online will writer | £80 to £180 |
| Mirror wills (couples) | Solicitor | £250 to £500 |
| Complex will (with trusts, business assets, or foreign property) | Solicitor | £500 to £1,500+ |
| Will with Lasting Power of Attorney bundle | Solicitor or specialist firm | £400 to £900 |
DIY will kits bought in shops or online are the cheapest option, often under £30 but they carry the highest risk of legal errors, especially for anyone with property, children from a previous relationship, or assets above the Inheritance Tax threshold.
Average Cost of a Trust in the UK
Trusts are more complex than wills and pricing reflects that. Costs vary depending on the type of trust, the value of assets involved and whether ongoing management is needed.
| Trust Type | Typical Setup Cost | Notes |
| Simple trust within a will | £100 to £400 | Added as a clause to an existing will |
| Discretionary trust | £500 to £1,500 | Common for protecting family wealth |
| Property protection trust | £600 to £1,200 | Used to shield a home from care fees |
| Life interest trust | £700 to £1,500 | Gives one person income or use of an asset for life |
| Bespoke trust drafted by a solicitor | £1,000 to £3,000+ | For high value or complex estates |
Beyond setup, many trusts carry ongoing administration costs, typically £200 to £500 a year for accounting, tax returns and trustee duties. Larger or more complex trusts can cost more, particularly if a professional trustee or solicitor manages them long term.
What Affects the Price of a Will or Trust
Several factors push the cost of a will or trust up or down. Understanding these helps you avoid paying for services you don’t need or underpaying for something too basic.
Estate Complexity
Multiple properties, business ownership or overseas assets raise the price, since each one needs separate legal consideration.
Family Structure
Blended families, dependents with disabilities or estranged relatives often require extra legal drafting to avoid future disputes.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Trust based tax strategies need specialist input, which adds to the overall cost but can save far more in tax later.
Number of Trusts or Beneficiaries
Each additional trust or condition adds drafting time, so estates with several beneficiaries or layered conditions cost more.
Provider Type
Solicitors typically charge more than online services but offer legal advice and accountability that DIY or budget options don’t include.
Location
Solicitors in London and the South East often charge 20 to 40 percent more than firms in the North of England, Scotland or Wales.
Urgency
Same day or emergency wills usually carry a premium fee, reflecting the faster turnaround and priority handling involved.
Solicitor vs Online Will Writer vs DIY: Which Costs Less
Each option has a different balance of cost, protection and convenience. The table below breaks down how they compare.
| Feature | DIY Will Kit | Online Will Writer | Solicitor |
| Average cost | Under £30 | £30 to £180 | £150 to £1,500+ |
| Legal review | None | Often included via qualified advisers | Full tailored legal advice |
| Best for | Very simple, small estates | Straightforward estates without trusts or tax issues | Complex estates, trusts, business succession |
| Risk of errors | High, a small wording mistake can invalidate the whole will | Low to moderate | Very low |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Not included | Sometimes included | Always included |
| Support method | Self guided | Phone or video support | In person or dedicated adviser |
| Suitable for estates over £325,000 (IHT threshold) | Not recommended | Case dependent | Recommended |
For estates above the £325,000 Inheritance Tax threshold, or where a trust is involved, a solicitor is usually the safer route; the added cost is often outweighed by the tax savings and legal protection it provides.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Some providers advertise a low headline price but add extra charges later. Watch for:
- Storage fees for keeping the original will safe often £20 to £50 a year
- Charges for updating or amending a will (a codicil)
- Executor fees if a solicitor or bank acts as executor sometimes 1 to 5 percent of the estate value
- Probate application fees, separate from will writing costs
- VAT added on top of the quoted price
Always ask for a full written quote before agreeing to any will or trust service.
How to Find a Trusted Will and Trust Service Near You
Choosing a local, regulated provider adds a layer of protection. Follow these steps before booking a will or trust service.
Step 1: Confirm SRA Regulation
Check that the solicitor is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which ensures they meet strict legal and ethical standards.
Step 2: Look for STEP Membership
For trust specialists, look for membership with STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), a mark of specialist training in trusts and estate planning.
Step 3: Read Independent Reviews
Read independent reviews on Google or Trustpilot to get an honest sense of how the firm handles clients and communication.
Step 4: Ask About Free Consultations
Ask whether the initial consultation is free, since many local solicitors offer a no obligation first meeting to discuss your needs.
Step 5: Compare Multiple Quotes
Compare at least two or three local quotes before deciding, so you can weigh cost against experience and service quality.
Step 6: Check for Home Visits
Check if home visits are available for elderly or housebound clients, as many local firms offer this at no extra charge.
Searching terms like “will writing solicitor near me” or “trust solicitor [your town]” will usually surface regulated local firms alongside online providers to compare both before choosing.
Tips to Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners
Saving money on a will or trust doesn’t have to mean settling for weaker legal protection. A few smart choices can lower the cost while still giving you a document that holds up when it matters.
- Write a simple will yourself only if your estate is small and straightforward
- Use an online will writer for mid range estates without trusts
- Bundle a will and Lasting Power of Attorney together for a package discount
- Ask family members to get mirror wills done together for a reduced joint rate
- Review and update your will every 3 to 5 years instead of paying for a full rewrite each time
- Get a fixed fee quote in writing before instructing a solicitor for a trust
None of these shortcuts require you to skip legal advice altogether – they simply help you spend that budget more wisely, so the money goes toward the protection your estate actually needs.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a will or trust in the UK ranges from under £30 for a basic DIY will to several thousand pounds for a bespoke trust arrangement. The right choice depends on your estate size, family circumstances and whether Inheritance Tax planning is a priority.
A simple estate rarely needs a trust – but larger or blended family estates often benefit from one, even though it adds to the upfront cost. Getting professional advice early, comparing at least two providers and asking for a written quote will help you avoid overpaying while still getting a legally sound document. Since prices and thresholds change over time, confirm current figures with a regulated solicitor or the government website before making a final decision.
FAQs
How Much Does A Basic Will Cost In The UK?
A basic single will typically cost between £30 and £100 through an online service, or £150 to £300 through a high street solicitor.
How Much Does It Cost To Set Up A Trust In The UK?
Setting up a trust generally costs between £500 and £3,000, depending on the type of trust and the complexity of the estate involved.
Is It Cheaper To Write To Myself?
Yes a DIY will kit can cost under £30, but it carries a higher risk of legal mistakes that could make the will invalid.
Do I Need Both A Will And A Trust?
Not always. A will alone is enough for many people. A trust is usually added when there are concerns about Inheritance Tax, vulnerable beneficiaries or protecting assets from care fees.
Are There Ongoing Costs For A Trust After It’s Set Up?
Yes most trusts have annual administration costs of around £200 to £500, covering accounting, tax filing and trustee duties.
How Much Does A Solicitor Charge Per Hour For Will And Trust Work?
UK solicitors typically charge between £150 and £350 an hour for private client work, though many offer fixed fees for standard wills.
Can I Get Free Will In The UK?
Some charities offer free will writing schemes in exchange for a voluntary donation or a gift left to the charity in your will, usually during specific campaign months.
What Happens If I Die Without A Will In The UK?
Your estate is distributed under intestacy rules, which follow a fixed legal order and may not reflect your actual wishes, particularly for unmarried partners.
Does A Mirror Cost Less Than Two Separate Wills?
Yes, mirror wills for couples are usually cheaper than two individual wills because much of the drafting work is shared.
How Often Should I Update My Will Or Trust?
Review your will or trust every 3 to 5 years, or immediately after major life events such as marriage, divorce, having children or buying property.
