Writing a Will in London: What to Include and Mistakes to Avoid

Quick answer: A valid will in England and Wales must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent adults present at the same time. It should name your executors, beneficiaries, and guardians for any children. If you own property, have children, or have a blended family, using a solicitor is usually the safer choice.

Writing a will is one of those jobs many Londoners mean to get round to, then put off for another month, then another year. But if you die without a valid will, the law decides who inherits your estate, and that may not reflect your wishes at all.

A well-drafted legal will gives you control. It can protect children, support a partner, reduce disputes, and make life easier for the people handling your estate. It is not only for the wealthy or retired. If you own a flat, have savings, run a business, or have children, making a will matters.

What is a legal will?

A legal will is a formal document that says what should happen to your estate when you die. Your estate includes your home, bank accounts, investments, personal possessions, and in some cases digital assets or business interests.

In England and Wales, a will must follow certain rules to be valid. At a high level, you must be over 18, have mental capacity, make it voluntarily, and sign it correctly in front of two witnesses who are both present at the same time. Those witnesses should not benefit under the will.

Improper witnessing is one of the most common reasons wills are challenged or found invalid. If you sign at home and ask a beneficiary or their spouse to witness it, that gift could fail. A small mistake in the process can cause major problems later.

Why does writing a will matter?

If you die without a will in England and Wales, the intestacy rules apply. These rules decide who inherits, and they do not always match modern family life in London.

This is especially important if you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, have children from a previous relationship, own property with someone else, want to leave gifts to friends, stepchildren, or charities, run a small business, or want to appoint guardians for children under 18.

For example, if an unmarried couple in Camden have lived together for years but one dies without a will, the surviving partner does not automatically inherit in the same way a spouse would. That can create stress, delay, and financial uncertainty at the worst possible time.

What to put in a will

Most wills should cover a core set of issues.

Executors

Executors are the people who deal with your estate after your death. Choose people who are organised, trustworthy, and likely to cope with paperwork and deadlines. Many people appoint a spouse, adult child, sibling, friend, or professional executor. See our guide on what an executor does to understand the responsibility involved.

Beneficiaries

These are the people or organisations who will inherit. Be clear about who gets what. That might include your home or share of a property, savings and investments, sentimental items, specific sums of money, or the residue of your estate after debts and expenses.

Guardians for children

If you have children under 18, this is one of the most important parts of the will. You can name guardians to care for them if both parents die.

Property and housing arrangements

This matters a lot in London, where property values are high and ownership can be complicated. Your will should work alongside how the property is legally owned. Whether you own a flat in Hackney, a family home in Wimbledon, or a buy-to-let in Croydon, the ownership structure matters.

Business interests and digital assets

If you own a business, hold company shares, or have online banking, photo libraries, subscription accounts, or crypto assets, your will should reflect these. A generic DIY will may not deal with them adequately.

DIY, will writing service, or solicitor?

The best option depends on how simple or complex your situation is.

DIY will

May suit you if your affairs are very straightforward: one person or a couple with simple wishes, no children from previous relationships, no business interests, and no complex property arrangements. The main risk is unclear wording, invalid execution, or missing important provisions with no tailored advice to catch the gaps.

Will writing service

Can be more affordable than a solicitor and may suit people with relatively simple needs. Standards vary, so check qualifications, regulation, and what is included in the fee. Not all providers are regulated in the same way as solicitors, and quality can vary significantly. Read our guide on free will writing services for what to watch out for.

Solicitor for will writing

Often the safest route if your circumstances are more than basic. This is usually the best option for London families with mixed assets, property, previous marriages, vulnerable beneficiaries, or business interests. A solicitor can also spot issues you may not think of, such as how jointly owned property passes, whether trusts may help, or whether someone may later challenge the will.

Cost of making a will in London

Broadly, you might expect: a DIY template around £20 to £100; a basic will writing service around £80 to £250; a solicitor-drafted simple will around £150 to £300; and more complex wills from £400 upwards where trusts, tax planning, or complicated family arrangements are involved.

A cheap will is not always poor, and an expensive one is not always better. The key is value. If spending a few hundred pounds helps avoid a dispute over a £700,000 London property, that is often money well spent. For further context on what could be at stake, our guide on inheritance tax for London property owners is worth reading alongside this one.

Mistakes to avoid

• Asking a beneficiary or their spouse to witness the will. That gift may fail.
• Not reviewing your will after major life events. Marriage, divorce, children, or buying property can all affect it.
• Not telling your executors where the original is kept. A valid will is only useful if it can be found.
• Not thinking about how your home is owned. Joint ownership affects what you can leave by will.
• Relying on verbal promises. If it is important, put it in writing properly.

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 London families benefit from putting both in place together.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a solicitor for will writing in the UK?
Not always. If your estate is very simple, you may be able to make a will yourself. But if you own property, have children, are part of a blended family, or want peace of mind, using a solicitor is often the safer option.

What happens if I die without a will in London?
The intestacy rules apply. Your estate will pass according to those rules, which may leave out unmarried partners, stepchildren, or others you wanted to benefit.

How often should I update my will?
Review it every few years and after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, having children, or buying a home.

How much does a solicitor charge to make a will?
For many straightforward wills, costs often start from around £150 to £300. Fees vary by firm and by the work involved.

Can I make a legal will online?
Yes, in some cases. Online services can work for simple estates, but they are not ideal for everyone. The will still needs to meet the legal rules for validity.

A properly drafted will helps ensure your wishes are clear and your loved ones are provided for. Contact Freeman Harris to discuss making or updating your will.

Related: Lasting Power of Attorney | Free Will Writing Services Explained | How to Apply for Probate