Key Article Points

• Not all will-writing services in England and Wales are regulated. Check who will prepare your will and what protections they offer.
• Using an SRA-regulated law firm provides protections including professional indemnity insurance and established complaints procedures.
• A solicitor can help you consider complex family circumstances, tax implications and wishes involving trusts or overseas assets.
• Clear drafting and correct signing help reduce the risk of mistakes, uncertainty and disputes after your death.
• When comparing will-writing services, consider the advice and protection included alongside the price.

The UK Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report 2025 reveals a significant and encouraging trend: more of us are finally getting around to making a will.

For the first time since records began, more than four in 10 UK adults (41%) now have this crucial document in place. This represents an uplift from 38% in 2024, translating to approximately 22 million people taking a proactive step in their end-of-life planning.

The rise in will-making is a positive development. A carefully prepared will can provide peace of mind, helping you set out your wishes and make provision for your loved ones after your death.

However, the report also highlights a shift in where people are turning for this service. While law firms and solicitors remain the most used option, their market share fell from 56% in 2020 to 49% in 2025.

Alternative will-writing services, including DIY templates and hybrid models, are becoming more popular, particularly among younger generations. Lower costs and apparent simplicity can be appealing, but it is important to understand what advice and protection each option includes.

Mistakes in a will can have costly consequences for those left behind. Choosing a regulated law firm provides professional advice alongside protections that may not be available through an unregulated provider.

The report also found that 40% of adults incorrectly believed all will-writing services were regulated. Will writing itself is not a reserved legal activity in England and Wales, so providers do not all operate under the same regulatory framework as solicitors’ firms such as KWW.

So, why choose a regulated solicitor to prepare your will? There are five key areas to consider:

Expertise and Legal Acumen: Solicitors are highly trained legal professionals with a deep understanding of the intricate laws surrounding wills, trusts and probate. They can navigate complex family structures, tax implications, and potential legal challenges that a DIY template or unregulated provider may overlook. This expertise ensures your will is legally sound, accurately reflects your wishes, and minimises the risk of future disputes.

Regulation and Accountability: Solicitors are regulated by bodies such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This means they adhere to strict codes of conduct, professional standards, and are required to have professional indemnity insurance.

This provides a crucial layer of protection for you and your beneficiaries. If something goes wrong due to negligence or error, you have recourse through established complaints procedures and potential compensation. Unregulated providers do not offer the same level of accountability.

Peace of Mind and Reduced Risk of Errors: A poorly drafted will, even if seemingly straightforward, can lead to significant delays, legal battles, and financial hardship for your family. Ambiguous language, incorrect execution, or a failure to consider all relevant factors can render a will invalid or open to challenge.

A regulated solicitor ensures your will is drafted with precision, legally sound, and properly executed, giving you the peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out.

Handling Complexity: While the report notes that probate is often considered simple when the will is clear and the estate is straightforward, 45% of those involved found it took longer than expected.

Life is rarely simple. You may have complex family arrangements, business interests, overseas assets, or specific wishes regarding guardianship or trusts. A regulated solicitor has the expertise to handle these complexities effectively, ensuring your will addresses all necessary aspects.

Related Services and Holistic Advice: As the report highlights, interest in related services like Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), funeral planning, and prepaid probate plans is growing.

Solicitors can provide comprehensive advice on these crucial areas, ensuring your end-of-life planning is holistic and addresses all your needs. They can also advise on the growing area of digital assets, ensuring your online presence is managed according to your wishes.

While the median cost of a will is reported as £130, remember that this figure likely includes the increasing use of less comprehensive, non-regulated options. Investing in the expertise and security of a regulated solicitor offers far greater value in the long run by safeguarding your legacy and protecting your loved ones from potential heartache and financial strain.

The rise in will-making is a positive step. However, it’s crucial to ensure this vital task is undertaken with the right support.

Don’t gamble with your future and the security of your family. Choose the expertise, regulation, and peace of mind that comes with using a regulated solicitor to draft your will.

To discuss making or updating your will, contact Karen Starkey at KWW Solicitors in East Molesey on 020 8979 1131. We can help you understand your options and prepare a will that reflects your wishes and circumstances.