The cost of making a Will

There are many ways to draw up your Will and the price can vary between a few pounds and hundreds of pounds. The cheapest is not always the best. It's important to find out what you are getting for your money so that you can compare different services and choose the one that is right for you. One factor which influences how much you pay is the content of the Will and how complex it needs to be to deal with your circumstances and needs. The qualifications of the people doing the work for you will also be a factor. Someone who is qualified in Wills and Estate Planning, and spends time completing ongoing professional training will need to charge more than someone who is unqualified.  You should also consider the service you will receive. For instance, do you get advice when giving your instructions? Is anyone available to explain the document once it has been produced? Do you get someone to supervise the signing and witnessing of your Will to ensure that it is completed correctly?

Another very important point to consider is whether you appoint a professional Executor of your Will.  The Executor is the person who deals with your affairs after your demise and a professional may charge thousands of pounds for their services. Sometimes the price of a Will is subsidised and sometimes without charge in order to secure such appointments. If a professional is seeking appointment as your executor, make sure that you understand their fee structure before agreeing. You may be asked to pay for Executor services at the time of making your Will and if so, find out what happens if the firm fails during your lifetime.