Cost of a basic will for couple

freda

I have been quoted £194 for a basic, mirrored will for myself and my partner.

I have two questions:

- Is this a reasonable amount?

- I assume we only need a basic will - we are unmarried and have a 6 month old baby, no debts other than mortgage, uncomplicated and amicable family relationships and no specific requests. Life assurance covers mortgage and enough for baby to be cared for till 18. Does that sound basic enough?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

LittleVoice

I have no comment to make about the actual level of the quoted fee.

You are presumably relatively young so in all likelihood the wills won't be used for a good number of years. During that time your financial situation can change substantially. Though you can reconsider the wills when that happens, the solicitor/will writer will probably be concerned by the fact that you are not married. That may well affect how much of their expertise you are using and how "basic" the wills are really going to be.

localhero

Hi Freda,

The Will you require is in fact very straightforward. An important consideration is appointing guardians for your baby. The fact you are unmarried means that it is very important you do make Wills - but whether you are married or not should make no difference to the price.

The price you've been quoted sounds excessive. To put it into context my firm in London would charge £95 for that.

Visit the Institute of Professional willwriters at www.ipw.org.uk to find a member who's qualified, regulated and insured in your area.