How to Choose the Right Will Solicitor: Trusted Advice for Every Estate Type

A professionally prepared will ensures your estate is distributed as intended and protects your loved ones. This guide explains the role of a will solicitor, how to locate one in your area, common fee structures, and how to prepare for the drafting process.

Understanding the Role of a Will Solicitor

A will solicitor is a legal professional who helps draft a valid will aligned with your personal wishes and legal obligations. They begin by reviewing your assets—including property, savings, pensions, debts, and family arrangements. Using this information, they prepare a will that outlines asset distribution, appoints executors, and designates guardians for any minor children.

A solicitor ensures your will complies with UK inheritance laws, confirms your mental capacity, and meets witness requirements. These checks help minimise future legal disputes. They may also recommend updating your will after major events such as marriage, divorce, births, or large purchases.

Where to Find a Local Will Solicitor

Here are three effective ways to find a reputable solicitor who specialises in wills and probate:

Legal Search Platforms: Use trusted online directories to browse solicitors based on location and area of expertise. These listings often include client reviews, qualifications, and regulatory memberships. Search under terms like “wills” or “estate planning,” and verify their credentials with professional bodies.
Referrals from Your Network: Recommendations from trusted sources—like relatives, accountants, or financial advisers—can offer valuable insight into a solicitor’s reliability, responsiveness, and communication skills.
Law Society Finder: The Law Society provides a dedicated solicitor search tool that lets you locate accredited legal professionals by postcode and service area. All members meet national standards and carry appropriate qualifications.

Understanding Fees and Services

Solicitor fees depend on your estate’s complexity and the level of service provided:

Basic Wills: For straightforward instructions and clear asset divisions, many solicitors offer fixed-fee packages that include drafting, witnessing arrangements, and document storage.
Complex Wills: Estates involving businesses, trusts, or overseas property typically incur higher costs, with fees charged by the hour due to the legal intricacies involved.
Bundled Packages: Some firms offer packages that include related services, such as lasting power of attorney or future updates. Always ask for a complete cost breakdown to avoid unexpected charges.

Choosing the Right Solicitor: Key Qualities

Your solicitor should offer more than legal knowledge. Consider these important factors:

Experience in estate law, probate, and inheritance planning
Membership in STEP or The Law Society’s Private Client Section
Clear communication, free of legal jargon
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Willingness to provide long-term advice and annual review reminders

A solicitor should be someone you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with. Trust and clarity are essential for ensuring your wishes are properly understood and recorded.

Getting Ready to Draft Your Will: 5 Key Steps

Organise Financial Details: Compile documentation on assets, savings, pensions, property, and debts to help your solicitor build a complete estate profile.
Identify Beneficiaries: Decide who should receive specific items or general shares of your estate, and outline any residual allocations.
Appoint Guardians: For minor children, select guardians who agree to take on this responsibility, and discuss your plans with them beforehand.
Choose Executors: Appoint one or more people—family members, friends, or professionals—to manage the distribution of your estate. A combination of personal and professional executors is often effective.
Plan for Revisions: Review your will regularly, especially after major life events, to ensure it reflects your current circumstances and intentions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a will on my own?
Yes, but DIY wills carry risks. Without correct formatting, witness signatures, and legal language, they can be challenged or declared invalid. A solicitor ensures your document is legally binding and accurate.

How long does it take to create a will?
For simple estates, a will can often be drafted within a few days after the initial consultation. Complex situations may require several weeks to finalise, especially when trusts or overseas assets are involved.

What happens without a will?
Dying intestate means your estate will be distributed according to legal defaults. These rules may exclude close friends, stepchildren, or charitable organisations you care about.

Final Thoughts

Preparing a will with professional help provides clarity, legal protection, and peace of mind. A good solicitor will ensure your wishes are properly recorded and your estate is handled with care. With a little preparation and the right support, you can protect your assets and offer lasting guidance to your loved ones.

References

07/16/2025