Knowing how to choose a will writer matters more in the UK than most people realise, because of one surprising fact: will writing is largely unregulated. Drafting a will is not a “reserved legal activity” under the Legal Services Act 2007, which means that — unlike conveyancing or probate — anyone can set up as a will writer without qualifications, training or insurance. The good news is that there are plenty of excellent, qualified professionals. The challenge is telling them apart from the rest.
Understand the regulation gap
Two routes give you the strongest protection. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and Chartered Legal Executives by CILEX Regulation; both carry compulsory insurance and give you access to the Legal Ombudsman if something goes wrong. Specialist will writers who are not solicitors can still be highly competent, especially if they belong to a voluntary self-regulating body, but the consumer safety net is thinner — so you need to do a little more checking yourself.
This does not mean avoiding will writers altogether. It means treating the decision the way you would choosing any professional: look at credentials, insurance, memberships and reviews, and ask direct questions. Our wider guide to estate planning explains how the will fits alongside the other documents you may need.
Credentials and memberships to look for
The following are strong signals that you are dealing with a serious professional:
- STEP membership (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) — a respected international qualification for practitioners in wills, trusts and estates. The letters TEP after a name indicate a full member.
- SRA-regulated solicitor or CILEX lawyer — full legal regulation and redress.
- Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) — its code of practice is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
- The Society of Will Writers (SWW) — a long-standing self-regulatory body for the profession.
- Professional indemnity insurance — essential, so that you or your family have recourse if a mistake is made. Always confirm the practitioner holds it.
The questions to ask before you instruct anyone
A reputable professional will welcome these questions and answer them clearly. A weak one will be evasive. Ask:
- What are your qualifications and which professional body are you a member of?
- Do you hold professional indemnity insurance, and for how much?
- What exactly does your fee include — is it a fixed, all-in price in writing?
- Where will my will be stored, and is there an ongoing charge for that?
- Are you suggesting I appoint you as executor, and if so, how would your firm charge the estate?
- What does it cost to update the will later if my circumstances change?
That last point matters: a will should be reviewed after any major life event, and you do not want to be locked into expensive amendment fees.
Red flags to walk away from
Most complaints about the will-writing industry share the same warning signs. Be cautious if you encounter high-pressure sales tactics or cold calling, especially offers made at free seminars. Be sceptical of anyone who steers you firmly towards an expensive trust as standard, or who promises a trust will magically avoid care fees or inheritance tax — these claims are often overstated and can backfire. Watch, too, for headline prices that climb steeply once storage, trusts or executor services are added, for costly compulsory storage arrangements, and for a will writer who appoints themselves as executor with open- ended fees against your estate. Anyone reluctant to put their credentials and quote in writing should be avoided.
How to compare and decide
Shortlist two or three professionals, ideally with genuine, independent reviews. Compare their qualifications, what is included, and how they communicate — clarity and patience are good indicators, because a will is only as good as the conversation behind it. Make sure they take time to understand your family, your assets and any complications such as a business, a second marriage or a vulnerable beneficiary. Then choose the person you trust to get the detail right, not simply the cheapest quote.
Every professional listed on Will Writing Directory is presented with their memberships and credentials shown plainly, so you can weigh them up on the things that matter. You can read about how we verify and present listings, and when you are ready, comparing a handful of qualified local practices side by side is the simplest way to make a confident choice.