Free Will Writing Services: Are They Really Free?

Quick answer: Free will writing services can be genuine and useful, but usually only for simple estates. Most are funded by charities in exchange for a potential legacy gift, offered as a limited promotional deal, or restricted to basic wills with no complex advice. If you own property, have children from different relationships, or need inheritance tax planning, a paid solicitor is usually the safer choice.

A free will writing offer can sound like an easy win, especially in London where every bill seems to climb faster than the Tube fare. But free does not always mean no cost, no catch, or no compromise.

Some free services are genuine and useful. Others are funded by charity campaigns, limited to very simple wills, or designed to lead to paid extras later on. The key question is not just price. It is whether the will is right for your life, your family, and your assets.

What is free will writing?

Free will writing is a service where you can create a will without paying the usual drafting fee upfront. In the UK, this happens in three main ways.

Charity-funded schemes

A charity covers the drafting cost, usually in the hope that you will leave a gift in your will. You are not always legally required to do so, but that is the model behind many schemes. These are legitimate and can be a good option for simple estates.

Free basic online wills

Some online providers offer simple wills at no cost, often for single people or couples with straightforward estates. Services such as Octopus Legacy and Farewill offer free will options depending on the campaign or package available at the time. Always check what is included and whether future amendments cost extra.

Promotional or limited-time offers

A firm may advertise free will writing during certain months, for first-time clients, or as part of estate planning promotions. The basic document may be free, while advice, trusts, storage, or amendments cost extra.

Free will writing usually means the basic drafting fee is waived, not that every part of the process is free.

Why the quality of the will matters more than the price

In London, many people own or part-own homes with significant value. Even a modest estate can become legally complex if there is property, stepchildren, an unmarried partner, or a business interest involved.

A cheap or free will can become expensive if it does not reflect your family set-up, creates uncertainty for executors, misses inheritance tax planning options, fails to deal with guardianship for children, or includes restrictive executor or storage clauses.

If a will is invalid or unclear, your estate may fall under the intestacy rules. In England and Wales, those rules do not always match what people expect, especially for cohabiting couples. Our guide on writing a will in London covers the legal requirements and most common mistakes in detail.

Are free wills safe?

Yes, free wills can be safe if they are properly drafted, correctly signed, and suitable for your circumstances. The risk is not the word free itself. The risk is using a service that is too basic for your needs, or failing to understand the terms.

If you are comparing free options, check who is preparing the will (a regulated solicitor, will writer, or online platform), whether the service is suitable only for simple estates, whether there are charges for future changes, whether you are being pushed towards paid trusts or probate packages, and who is appointed as executor.

For a will to be valid in England and Wales, it must generally be in writing, signed by the person making it, and witnessed by two independent adults present at the same time. A good drafting service matters, but proper signing matters just as much.

What is usually included, and what is not?

A basic free will writing service often includes one straightforward will, standard clauses for gifts and residue, basic appointment of executors, and simple guardianship wishes.

It may not include inheritance tax planning, life interest trusts, discretionary trusts, advice on tenants in common ownership, business assets or foreign property, detailed planning for blended families, or free updates in future. If your life changes often, such as buying a home, getting married, divorcing, or having children, future amendment costs matter from the outset.

Free service or paid solicitor: which is better for you?

A free service may be the best option if your estate is modest and straightforward, you are leaving everything to one main beneficiary, you do not own complicated assets, you are comfortable with a standard template, and you understand any limits and extra fees.

A paid wills solicitor is usually the better option if you own property in London, are unmarried but living with a partner, have children from different relationships, want to protect a vulnerable beneficiary, are concerned about inheritance tax, want advice on trusts or care fees, or need tailored executor guidance.

For many London households, paying £200 to £500 for a straightforward solicitor-drafted will can be sensible. That cost is often small compared with the value of a home, pension death benefits, savings, or the legal trouble caused by a badly planned estate. Our guide on inheritance tax for London property owners gives a sense of what can be at stake.

It is also worth thinking about a lasting power of attorney at the same time. A will covers what happens after death. An LPA covers what happens if you lose capacity during your lifetime. Many people deal with both together.

Frequently asked questions

Is charity will writing really free?
Usually, yes for the basic drafting fee. The charity pays the provider, and you may be invited to leave a legacy gift, though this is not always legally required.

Are online free will services always free?
Not always. Offers can depend on promotions, partnerships, or charity campaigns. Always check what package is included and whether updates cost extra.

Can I get a free will from a solicitor in London?
Sometimes, during campaigns or charity partnerships. But free solicitor offers are usually limited to basic wills and may not include wider estate planning advice.

Is updating a will for free possible?
Sometimes. A few providers offer free amendments for a short period, but many charge later. If regular changes are likely, ask about update fees from the start.

Who should be appointed as executor?
Choose someone organised, calm, and practical. Avoid appointing the will-writing service itself as executor without fully understanding the future fees involved. Read our guide on what an executor does before making your decision.

If your circumstances are not straightforward, speak to Freeman Harris for clear, personalised advice on putting the right will in place.

Related: Writing a Will in London | Lasting Power of Attorney Guide | Executor Duties Explained