Here’s the thing nobody tells you: dying without a will is called “intestacy”, and it’s a legal mess. The government decides who gets what, and if you’re unmarried (even living together 20 years), your partner gets nothing. Imagine your partner having to buy your half of the sofa from your angry aunt in a legal battle. Awkward.
And it’s not just about stuff. A will lets you say who looks after your kids. Without one, social services decide. That’s like letting a random driver choose your child’s car seat. You want control, not a lottery. The cost of a will is a tiny price for that control—less than your annual Netflix subscription, and far more gripping.
Extra costs to watch out for
Some solicitors charge extra for storing your will (around £20–£50), or for updating it later. You can keep it in a cupboard, but if it gets lost, damp, or eaten by your dog, it’s invalid. Storage is cheap insurance. Also, if you need complex trusts or tax planning, prices can jump to £500 or more. But for most people—who just want to leave the house to the kids and the vinyl collection to their niece—it stays under £300.
How Much Does a Will Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
One couple I know paid £180 for mirror wills, then celebrated with fish and chips. They called it “the best £90 each we ever spent.” They now sleep better, knowing their daughter gets the cottage, and their son gets the guitar—without a court fight.
