Online will-writing services in the UK have grown rapidly — but will-writing remains a largely unregulated activity in England and Wales. A monthly subscription that promises 'updates' and 'secure storage' often contains small print that's far less protective than it sounds. Before you subscribe, check who actually writes and reviews your will, what happens on cancellation, and whether the 'storage' guarantee is legally meaningful.
What is a Subscription Terms?
A UK online will-writing service typically offers a subscription bundle: an interactive will-drafting tool, optional review by a legal professional, storage of the executed will, and periodic updates. Most providers are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA); they operate as 'will writers' under voluntary schemes (Institute of Professional Willwriters, Society of Will Writers) or purely commercially. The Wills Act 1837 and the Administration of Estates Act 1925 govern will validity; the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 apply to the contract itself.
Red flags to watch for
Unregulated will writers are not bound by the SRA Handbook or covered by the Solicitors Compensation Fund. If the drafting is framed as self-service with non-legal guidance, there's no professional indemnity recourse.
A storage promise that silently expires after a late payment leaves executors unable to locate the will. The Wills Act 1837 requires the original signed, witnessed document for probate.
A new will should contain an express revocation clause. Services that produce wills without properly handling prior documents create intestacy risk.
Wills must be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses, present at the same time, who both sign. Remote-witnessing instructions must follow the temporary COVID-era rules or ordinary s 9 rules — never ambiguous hybrids.
Subscription contracts must comply with the CCRs 2013 and the CMA's 2023 subscriptions guidance. 14-day cooling-off and clear cancellation are mandatory for distance contracts.
The Banks v Goodfellow test governs testamentary capacity. Providers offering reviews should identify when capacity concerns require a more qualified attendance.
Some platforms appoint themselves or an affiliate as executor for a percentage of the estate. This conflict of interest is a major cost issue — STEP fees or fixed-fee solicitor executors are usually more cost-effective.
Your legal rights
UK consumers using online will-writing services are protected by: the Wills Act 1837 (validity requirements under s 9); the Administration of Estates Act 1925; the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (services must be performed with reasonable care and skill under s 49, and unfair terms are unenforceable under Part 2); the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (14-day cooling-off for distance contracts); the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR; and the Enterprise Act 2002. Regulated solicitors are additionally subject to the SRA Standards and Regulations and the Solicitors Compensation Fund. Complaints about unregulated providers can go to Trading Standards; complaints about solicitors go to the Legal Ombudsman. Scotland has separate provisions under the Succession (Scotland) Act 2016.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1Is this service provided by an SRA-regulated solicitor, a chartered legal executive (CILEX), or an unregulated will writer?
- 2What professional indemnity insurance covers the provider, and for how much?
- 3What happens to my stored will if I cancel the subscription or the provider ceases trading?
- 4How does the service confirm compliance with Wills Act 1837 s 9 witnessing?
- 5Is there a fee for updates or amendments after the initial will is executed?
- 6What is the cancellation process, and does the 14-day cooling-off period apply?
- 7Who will act as executor, and how are fees calculated?
- 8How does the service handle capacity concerns or complex estate issues?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.