A basic will in the UK typically costs anywhere from under £50 with an online provider to £300 or more through a high street solicitor, depending on how much personal advice and support is included. At Abacus Wills & Trusts, a basic will starts from just £19, making it one of the more accessible starting points available, without cutting out the professional advice that makes a will legally sound.
What counts as a “basic” will?
A basic will is designed for straightforward estates: a single person, or a couple, who want to leave everything to clearly named beneficiaries without setting up trusts, business succession plans, or complex tax structuring. It still needs to cover the essentials properly — who inherits what, who’s appointed as executor, and who becomes guardian for any children under 18. Missing any of these can leave a will open to challenge later, which is exactly why “basic” shouldn’t mean rushed or generic.
Why Basic Wills prices vary so much
The wide price range across the market mostly comes down to what’s actually included. A template downloaded online with no advice sits at the cheap end, but the person filling it in carries all the risk if it’s worded incorrectly or witnessed the wrong way. A solicitor’s fee, at the other end, often reflects office overheads as much as the complexity of the work itself. Abacus sits between these two extremes: a properly drafted, professionally checked will, delivered through a home visit or consultation, without the higher fees that come with a traditional law firm.
What’s actually included in a basic will appointment
A proper basic will service should include a consultation to understand your wishes, drafting by someone trained to spot the details people miss (like what happens if a beneficiary dies before you, or how jointly owned property is handled), and clear guidance on signing and witnessing so the will is valid. At Abacus, this also comes with the option of a home visit, which matters most for anyone who finds it difficult to travel, or simply prefers not to.
When a basic will isn’t enough
A basic will works well for straightforward situations, but it’s worth stepping up to fuller advice if you own a business, have a blended family, are unmarried and living with a partner, or have an estate large enough to be affected by inheritance tax. None of this means a basic will was the wrong starting point — it often makes sense to begin simply and build on it as circumstances change, rather than delaying because the “full” version feels daunting.
If you’re ready to get a basic will in place, Abacus Wills & Trusts offers home visits and professional consultants at transparent, upfront pricing — a sensible first step for anyone who hasn’t yet put their wishes in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a £19 will actually legally valid?
Yes, provided it’s properly drafted, signed, and witnessed according to the Wills Act 1837. Price reflects the service model, not the document’s legal standing.
Can I upgrade my basic will later?
Yes. Most people who start with a basic will return to add a trust or more detailed provisions once their circumstances change, rather than starting from scratch.
Do I need a solicitor for a basic will?
Not necessarily. A regulated will writing service can draft a legally sound basic will at a fraction of typical solicitor fees, provided it follows the correct legal formalities.
How long does it take to get a basic will done?
Most basic wills can be drafted, reviewed, and signed within a couple of weeks of the initial consultation, sometimes faster if there’s no complexity to work through.