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Inside the will writing industry: what really happens

by | Sep 9, 2025

Let’s be honest—writing a will isn’t most people’s idea of a good time. But whether you’re 35 or 75, have one house or three, one child or none, a will remains one of the most important documents you’ll ever create. Done properly, it protects your assets, your family, and your wishes. Done poorly—or not at all—it can unravel years of careful planning.

At GSI Wills & Trusts, we see the full spectrum: good wills, bad wills, and some that might as well have been written in invisible ink.

So if you’re wondering how to go about writing (or updating) yours, here’s what really happens in the will writing industry—and where we fit in.

 

Four Ways to Write a Will
  1. DIY & Online Templates
  • Cost: £10–£100
  • Regulated: No
  • Best for: Very simple estates with one beneficiary

These are fast, cheap, and easy to find. But one mistake—like choosing the wrong witnesses—can make the entire will invalid. Fine for the simplest cases, risky for the rest.

  1. Charity-Sponsored Wills
  • Cost: Often free (with suggested donation)
  • Regulated: Usually written by solicitors
  • Best for: Simple estates with no trusts or tax planning

Services like Free Wills Month and Will Aid offer solicitor-written wills in exchange for a charitable gift. A great option if your affairs are straightforward—but not designed for blended families, property abroad, or anything complex.

  1. High-Street Will Writers
  • Cost: £100–£700
  • Regulated: Not by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
  • Best for: Middle-of-the-road situations

More human than online tools, but the quality varies widely. Some firms use templated documents, lack legal training, or charge extra for essential features like LPAs or document storage.

  1. Solicitor-Written Wills
  • Cost: £300–£1,200+
  • Regulated: Yes
  • Best for: Complex estates, business owners, inheritance tax planning

Solicitors offer the highest legal standard—but they may not always understand your wider financial situation unless working closely with a financial planner.

 

So Where Do We Fit In?

GSI Wills & Trusts LLP is the sweet spot between legal precision and real-life planning.

We combine:

  • Professional will drafting by qualified specialists
  • Integration with your financial adviser’s planning
  • Clear, fair pricing
  • A focus on what matters to you and your family

We’re not just writing documents—we’re building peace of mind.

 

Our Core Prices (excl. VAT)
Service
Price
Standard Will £350
Mirror Will (for couples) £150 per person
Will with Risk Statements £450
Trusts within Wills From £600
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) £300 each
Document Storage £35 per household
Review of an existing will £200 per document

 

We also offer trusts, tax planning, and probate support if needed—always tailored to your life.

 

Is It Time to Review Yours?

If you:

  • Haven’t reviewed your will in 5+ years
  • Recently married, divorced, or had children/grandchildren
  • Own property or business assets
  • Used a free or online service in the past
  • Don’t have one at all…

…then now is the time to act.

 

Speak to GSI Wills & Trusts

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want a second opinion, we’ll help you get it right.

estateplanning@gsigroup.co.uk
Or speak to your GSI adviser to begin

Because your legacy deserves more than a blank form and good intentions.

 

Disclaimer

This content is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back what you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.

GSI Wealth Management has been appointed as a distributor of services offered by Mitchell & Mitchell Asset Management Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA no: 992402). GSI does not act as an authorised representative of Mitchell & Mitchell. All views reflect GSI’s opinion at the time of writing. No personal liability is assumed by any contributor. We take care to ensure accuracy but accept no responsibility for loss from reliance on this material.

Data is managed in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

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