Finding an online will writing service that is affordable, quick, and meets UK legal standards is more complicated than it should be for busy households. Many providers either lack clear solicitor involvement, charge hidden fees for updates, or restrict key features to higher tier plans. You can compare pricing, legal review, and update policies across five online will writing alternatives to pick the service that best matches your family's needs.
Table of contents
Clearlegacy
At a glance
According to ClearLegacy, you can complete your will in around 15 minutes and receive the final document by email within 24 hours. The service starts at £69 for a single will and uses an online questionnaire plus guided signing instructions. That speed and clear pricing make it a practical option for straightforward estates.
Core features
ClearLegacy collects information through an online questionnaire, then prepares a will ready for signing.
- Online questionnaire for will creation that asks about executors, beneficiaries, and specific gifts.
- Automated review for legal compliance to check formality under the Wills Act 1837 before issue.
- Fast delivery by email within 24 hours of completion.
- Fixed transparent pricing so you know the fee up front.
- Guidance on signing and witnessing to help the document meet formal requirements.
These elements combine to replace a solicitor appointment for simple wills while keeping legal formalities visible.
Key differentiator
ClearLegacy’s automated review steps through the formal requirements of the Wills Act 1837 before the document is issued. That check is embedded in the platform so the will reaches you already assessed for formality. The result is a lower-cost route that still targets legal certainty for basic estates.
Pros
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Affordable pricing. From £69 for a single will, the fixed fee is noticeably lower than typical solicitor quotes and removes hidden costs.
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Legally focused. The platform’s automated review specifically references compliance with the Wills Act 1837, so the document is prepared with statutory formalities in mind.
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Quick turnaround. Documents are prepared by the platform and issued by email the next day, which helps when you need legal paperwork fast.
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Easy to use. The online questionnaire guides non‑lawyers through common choices such as residuary clauses and appointment of executors.
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Post‑issue support. The service includes one free amendment within 12 months for straightforward changes.
Cons
- Not suitable for complex estates or trust planning. People with large estates, tax planning needs, or bespoke trusts will still need a solicitor.
Who it's for
ClearLegacy suits adults in England and Wales who want a legally valid will without a solicitor appointment. It fits homeowners, new parents, and cohabiting couples who need clear instructions, modest fees, and a quick online process. If you and your partner value speed and certainty for a simple estate, this matches your needs.
Unique value proposition
From £69 for a single will, ClearLegacy offers a fixed-fee route that removes solicitor appointment costs for straightforward estates. The platform combines an online questionnaire with automated checks and human review so you avoid common formal errors. Economically, that translates into lower upfront legal costs and fewer follow‑up queries for simple wills.
Real world use case
A couple in their forties uses ClearLegacy to draft mirror wills after buying a house together. They complete the questionnaire in a single sitting, follow the signing guidance, and receive both documents by email the next day. The couple get legally valid wills without visiting a solicitor in person and keep one free amendment available for later.
Pricing
From £69 for a single will and £99 for mirror wills. Fees are fixed with no hidden costs and include guidance on signing and one free amendment within 12 months.
Website: https://clearlegacy.co.uk
Make a will online
At a glance
Make A Will Online claims to be the only online wills service authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. That authorisation lets users purchase solicitor checked wills online. The site emphasises a quick, low-friction process aimed at people who want a legally reviewed will without a solicitor appointment.
Core features
- Solicitor checked wills delivered after a review by SRA authorised solicitors, according to the company.
- Three step online process that walks you through beneficiaries, executors, and gifts with plain English prompts.
- Lifetime updates available for an annual fee, plus a short free update window after purchase.
- Optional printing and postage and professional liability cover listed as add‑ons.
Key differentiator
That SRA authorisation is the central claim that sets Make A Will Online apart from many competitors. It means the site advertises solicitor review as part of the online purchase. That focus on solicitor involvement targets people who want more legal reassurance than basic DIY templates provide.
Pros
- According to the company, it has offered services since 2008, which suggests a long market presence and iterative improvement.
- Clear pricing and add‑on options make cost expectations simple and visible before purchase.
- The option to buy lifetime updates gives couples a straightforward way to keep wills current as their family changes.
- Printing and postage provided by the site removes the need to arrange a local solicitor to print and post the final document.
- Trustpilot presence is cited by the vendor as evidence of customer satisfaction.
Cons
- The service requires internet access and comfort with an online form, which will not suit everyone.
- The product data notes the service itself is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, even though solicitors authorised by the SRA perform reviews.
- Complex estates or matters involving non UK residence and overseas property are outside the typical scope and often need specialist advice.
When it may not fit
Choose a traditional solicitor if your estate includes foreign property, business interests with complex ownership, or trusts. The site is aimed at straightforward wills and routine updates. For disputes, contested estates, or bespoke tax planning you will likely need direct legal counselling.
Who it's for
You and your partner if you live in England or Wales and want a solicitor reviewed will without attending a solicitor office. It suits busy professionals and new parents who value legal reassurance and tidy pricing. It does not replace bespoke estate planning for complex family arrangements.
Real world use case
The vendor states a user can draft a will in around 10 minutes and then request solicitor review. A working professional in Manchester could complete the online form during a lunch break, pay for lifetime updates, and have a printed copy posted for safekeeping.
Website: https://makeawillonline.co.uk
FreeWills
At a glance
FreeWills' marketing materials state you can create a legally binding Will in less than 15 minutes and download it immediately. The vendor advertises the service is solicitor-checked, free to use, and includes free updates. That mix targets adults who do not want solicitor appointments or fees and who want a quick, printable Will from home.
Core features
- Fast completion: Guided questionnaire that the vendor claims produces a Will in under 15 minutes, using plain English and clear prompts.
- Personalised clauses: Add beneficiaries, executors, guardians, and funeral wishes in the same session.
- Instant access: Download and print the completed Will straight away from the platform.
- Free edits: The service offers free updates and editing at any time after creation.
- Charity support: Options to leave legacies and support fundraising are built into the workflow.
Key differentiator
That the service combines solicitor vetting with zero cost is the feature FreeWills highlights as its defining point. The vendor positions the offering for straightforward estate planning where cost is a barrier. For users who want a solicitor-checked document without fees, that claim is the main reason to choose the platform.
Pros
- Free to use with no hidden costs. This removes the usual solicitor fee barrier for many households.
- Legal and trustworthy, according to the vendor, because practising solicitors check the template and process.
- Accessible across England and Wales for anyone over 18. The platform suits single people and couples who need simple Wills.
- Plain English guidance keeps the process short and readable for non-legal users.
- Built-in charity legacy options make it easier to leave gifts to causes you support.
Cons
- Limited to England and Wales. The platform does not apply outside those jurisdictions.
- Not suitable for complex or contentious estates with trusts, foreign assets, or business ownership.
- The service is not a substitute for tailored legal advice for specialised estate planning scenarios.
- It cannot handle physical assets located outside England and Wales or complex cross border arrangements.
When it may not fit
Avoid FreeWills if your estate includes overseas property, complicated business holdings, or disputes between beneficiaries. The platform focuses on simple, non-contentious Wills and does not manage cross border legal issues. You will need a solicitor for bespoke drafting, tax planning, or trust arrangements.
Who it's for
Adults over 18 in England and Wales who want a straightforward, low-cost way to make or update a Will. It fits couples creating mirror Wills, new parents who want to name guardians, and people who wish to include charitable legacies without solicitor fees. It also suits those who prefer a guided online questionnaire over appointments.
Real world use case
A couple completes the guided questionnaire together at home, names executors, specifies guardians for their child, and adds a legacy for a favourite charity. They download both signed copies and use the free update option to change an executor after a year. The whole process removes solicitor fees while producing a solicitor-checked document, according to the vendor.
Website: https://freewills.co.uk
MyWishes
At a glance
Create last wills, funeral wishes, advance care plans and digital legacy records for free. According to the vendor, MyWishes was developed with input from clinicians and legal experts. The site also works with charities and healthcare providers to help communities plan and record end of life preferences.
Core features
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Free online tools for documenting last wills, funeral wishes, advance care plans, digital legacy items, bucket lists and farewell messages.
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Downloadable legal and non legal documents that users may share with family or present to professionals.
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Integration with social media for sharing wishes and notifying contacts about plans.
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Options for legacy giving and memorial donations built into the workflows.
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Specialised versions and resources for healthcare professionals and charities to support advance care planning.
Key differentiator
MyWishes stands out for its community focus combined with no cost to individual users. That combination makes it useful where charities, health services and local government work together on end of life planning. The emphasis is less on complex estate law and more on capturing clear, shareable wishes across medical and social networks.
Pros
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Completely free for individuals. This removes a financial barrier for people who cannot afford paid will services.
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Easy to use interface with step by step guidance and tutorials. The layout helps people who are new to digital planning.
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Covers emotional and digital legacy as well as practical arrangements. Users can record farewell messages and online account wishes alongside legal documents.
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Collaborative features let trusted contacts and professionals view or receive copies. That aids communication with family and healthcare teams.
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Strong links with charities and healthcare providers increase local relevance and support for community projects.
Cons
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Detailed legal review is not provided on the site. Users must seek qualified professionals to validate complex wills.
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Limited customisation for complicated estates or cross jurisdiction scenarios. The platform focuses on common UK needs.
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Reliance on technology risks excluding people with low digital literacy or limited internet access.
When it may not fit
If you need solicitor level drafting for a complex estate the platform will not replace paid legal services. If part of the estate sits outside the UK some document services may be unavailable. If you need an app that works entirely offline this online centred service is not a match.
Who it's for
Couples and individuals in the UK who want a no cost way to record wills, funeral wishes and care preferences will find value here. Charities and healthcare teams that run community programmes can use the site to support advance care planning. It suits people who prefer a digital route before seeing a solicitor.
Real world use case
A middle aged person uses MyWishes to draft a will, record funeral preferences and list digital accounts to be closed. They download the documents and share copies with their nominated contacts. They then take the files to a solicitor for formal review and signature.
Website: https://mywishes.co.uk
Farewill
At a glance
Wills start at £100 online and probate services begin at £895. Farewill combines will writing, probate applications, and funeral planning under one online service. The company advertises clear fees, remote support, and a shortlist of industry awards.
Core features
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Online will writing with step by step guidance that walks you through beneficiaries, executors, and guardians.
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Phone will drafting by specialists for people who prefer to talk through complex wishes with a real person.
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Unlimited updates available for a low annual fee so you can change beneficiaries or executors as life evolves.
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Fixed-price probate service that includes legal support for the application and estate administration.
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Funeral options from direct cremation to prepaid funeral plans, plus tools to record funeral wishes.
Key differentiator
Farewill groups legal and funeral services in one place and advertises transparent, fixed pricing. That makes it simpler for households who want to manage wills and end of life arrangements together. The platform leans on customer support and public recognition rather than traditional solicitor meetings.
Pros
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The vendor reports a 4.9/5 on Trustpilot which the company highlights as evidence of strong customer care.
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Won industry awards including a named prize for will writing firms, which signals peer recognition for service quality.
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Fixed pricing removes surprise fees and makes cost comparisons straightforward for straightforward estates.
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Remote services suit people who cannot or prefer not to attend face to face meetings.
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Support for charitable legacies and clear legacy wording helps you leave gifts to charities without extra complexity.
Cons
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Not suitable for very complex or contested estates where bespoke legal counsel will be necessary.
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Some services offer limited customisation compared with a full solicitor drafted estate plan.
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Pricing sits above basic DIY options for very simple wills, so it may not be the cheapest route for single, uncomplicated estates.
When it may not fit
If your estate includes trusts, overseas assets, business shares, or likely claims under the Inheritance Provision legislation, Farewill is probably not the right choice. Those situations usually need tailored legal advice and document drafting. For contested wills or unusual structures use a specialist solicitor instead.
Who it's for
You if you live in England or Wales and want a legally valid will, probate help, or funeral planning without visiting an office. Couples and busy families who value clear fees and remote support will find the service practical. If you prefer a face to face solicitor for complex drafting, consider alternatives.
Real world use case
A homeowner uses Farewill to draft a single will online, records funeral preferences, and opts for annual updates for life events. Years later they amend beneficiaries through the update plan and use the probate service when needed. The whole process stays with one provider and one transparent fee structure.
Website: https://farewill.com
Comparison of alternatives
When choosing an online will-writing service, considering the unique benefits of each provider can help identify the solution best suited to different preferences and requirements. Below, we distinguish between practical dimensions to assist in this selection.
Service focus and integration
ClearLegacy provides a streamlined approach ideal for users requiring quick turnaround and affordability, supported by its automated legality review for compliance with the Wills Act 1837. In contrast, Farewill extends its offering by integrating probate and funeral services, catering to individuals seeking a single platform for end-of-life management. This expanded scope appeals to families dealing with multiple estate-related responsibilities.
Cost implications and value
FreeWills offers a completely free solicitor-checked service, which, while limited to straightforward estates, provides significant cost savings for users prioritising affordability. Alternatively, ClearLegacy represents a cost-effective option with a fixed pricing model that maintains legal compliance and includes practical support for amendments.
Best fit
- Individuals seeking a cost-effective and rapid solution for drafting simple wills will appreciate ClearLegacy for its affordability and legal assurances.
- Those requiring solicitor involvement during the will creation process should consider Make A Will Online.
- Users prioritising minimal costs while obtaining a solicitor-checked document will find FreeWills suitable.
- For extended services beyond will creation, such as probate or funeral arrangements, the offerings of Farewill stand out.
Our pick
Among the alternatives, ClearLegacy is the recommended choice for users valuing affordability and swift service to prepare legally valid simple wills efficiently. However, for complex estates or requirements for integrated services, exploring other platforms like Farewill may be more beneficial. ClearLegacy excels in balancing cost and compliance for straightforward estate planning needs.
Choosing the ideal online will-writing service involves considering features such as price transparency, ease of use, and suitability for specific estate requirements.
| Product | Key Differentiator | Best for | Pricing | Notable Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlegacy | Automated compliance with Wills Act 1837 | Basic estate will preparation | £69 single will | Unsuitable for complex estates |
| Make A Will Online | Solicitor review by SRA authorised solicitors | Legally reviewed wills online | Not disclosed | Services not regulated by the SRA directly |
| FreeWills | Solicitor-checked wills free of charge | Budget-friendly simple wills | Free | Limited to England and Wales only |
| MyWishes | Includes emotional and digital legacy planning | Community-focused end-of-life plans | Free | No detailed legal review |
| Farewill | Integrated will, probate, and funeral services | Transparent fees for multiple needs | £100 single will | Higher cost than DIY options |
Consider Clearlegacy as your trusted thewillplace.co.uk alternative
Choosing an estate planning service that respects the legal formalities under the Wills Act 1837 while offering simplicity can feel challenging. Many alternatives to thewillplace.co.uk lack transparent pricing or swift turnaround, which can leave you uncertain and delay securing your family's future. Clearlegacy resolves these concerns by providing an intuitive online questionnaire, combined with expert review, so your will is legally compliant and ready within 24 hours.
With prices starting at just £69 and the ability to complete your will in around 15 minutes, Clearlegacy offers a practical, cost-effective solution. It supports cohabiting couples, new parents, and families seeking clarity without solicitor appointments. Discover how Clearlegacy turns will writing from a complicated task into a straightforward process.
Explore Clearlegacy's solutions and take control of your estate planning today. Visit Clearlegacy Online Will Service to get started and safeguard your legacy efficiently.
FAQ
How long does it take to create a will using Clearlegacy?
Clearlegacy allows you to complete your will in approximately 15 minutes. Their streamlined online questionnaire and guided signing instructions facilitate a quick process, resulting in your final document being emailed to you within 24 hours.
What is the difference between Clearlegacy and make a will online?
Make A Will Online offers solicitor-checked wills through a three-step online process, providing added legal reassurance. In contrast, Clearlegacy focuses on a lower-cost, automated option for straightforward wills, making it ideal for those looking to save on solicitor appointment fees while still ensuring legal compliance under the Wills Act 1837.
Which platform provides the best support for post-issue amendments?
Clearlegacy includes one free amendment within 12 months for straightforward changes after your will is completed, making it convenient to update your will without incurring additional costs.
Can i trust that clearlegacy's wills are legally valid?
Yes, Clearlegacy’s automated review checks for compliance with the Wills Act 1837, ensuring that your will meets the necessary legal formalities before it is issued.
What is the average cost of using Clearlegacy compared to other services?
Clearlegacy starts at £69 for a single will, significantly lower than typical solicitor quotes, making it a cost-effective choice for straightforward estate planning. This transparent pricing ensures you know the fee upfront without hidden costs.