Will-writing red flags
A will-writing service can be useful, but poor sales practices are a serious warning sign. Take your time before paying or signing up to extras.
Red flags before purchase
- Unclear pricing, especially where the final cost depends on add-ons.
- Pressure to buy immediately or book a home visit before you understand the offer.
- Claims that everyone needs a trust, executor service or long-term storage package.
- No clear explanation of who prepares or reviews the will.
- No clear complaints route, insurance position or cancellation information.
- Language that makes a simple online form sound equivalent to tailored professional guidance.
Why this matters
The CMA has investigated will-writing and other unregulated legal services and has published consumer guidance on what to consider when buying a will-writing service. A provider does not need to be a solicitor to write a will, so the buyer has to pay attention to support, terms and protections.
A calmer way to compare
Write down what you need before speaking to a provider: who inherits, who acts as executor, whether there are children or dependants, whether there is likely to be conflict, and whether any assets make the estate complicated. Then compare the service against that list rather than against a headline price.
Source: CMA will-writing consumer guide.