How to Become a Will Writer in the UK

Will writers help families protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out after death or incapacity. It's meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to people's lives — and it offers flexibility, good income, and low barriers to entry.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

A typical will writer's work includes:

Client consultations

Meeting clients (in their homes, your office, or via video call) to understand their family situation, assets, and wishes. You'll ask questions about children, property, savings, pensions, and who they want to inherit. These conversations require empathy and clear communication — you're often discussing sensitive topics.

Document drafting

Using professional software like WILLO to create legally valid wills based on client instructions. You'll select appropriate clauses, ensure proper legal language, and produce documents ready for signing.

Explaining complex concepts

Translating legal jargon into plain English. Clients don't need to understand "residuary beneficiaries" or "life interest trusts" — they need to understand what happens to their house and who looks after their children.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Most clients need LPAs alongside their wills. You'll explain the two types (Health & Welfare, Property & Financial), help clients choose attorneys, and manage the registration process with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Witnessing and execution

Ensuring wills are signed correctly with proper witnesses. Small errors here can invalidate entire documents, so attention to detail matters.

Building client relationships

Will writing isn't one-and-done. Clients need updates after life changes (births, deaths, divorces, house moves). Building relationships leads to repeat business and referrals — the lifeblood of a successful practice.

What Will Writing Is NOT

You won't spend your days in court or dealing with legal disputes. Will writing is client-focused, consultative work. You're helping families plan, not litigating after things go wrong.

Here's the key fact that makes will writing accessible: you do not need to be a solicitor or have a law degree.

Will writing is not a "reserved legal activity" under the Legal Services Act 2007. This means anyone can legally write wills for clients after appropriate training. You don't need to pass bar exams, complete years of university study, or hold specific qualifications.

What you DO need:

1. Proper training

While not legally mandated, training is essential for competence. You need to understand the Wills Act 1837, proper execution requirements, common pitfalls, and how to handle different client situations. Good training also covers LPAs, basic trust knowledge, and client consultation skills.

See our Will Writing Courses UK guide for a detailed comparison of training options.

2. Professional indemnity insurance

Before taking clients, you need insurance that protects you (and them) if something goes wrong. Most insurers require evidence of adequate training. Expect to pay £200-500 per year.

3. Practical skills

Beyond technical knowledge, successful will writers need:

• •Clear communication skills
• •Empathy for sensitive situations
• •Attention to detail
• •Basic business sense
• •Reliability and professionalism

What you DON'T need:

• •A law degree
• •A-levels or GCSEs
• •Previous legal experience
• •Membership of a professional body (though it can help)
• •An office (many work from home)

Professional body membership

Joining the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) or Society of Will Writers (SWW) provides credibility and support but isn't legally required. Many successful will writers operate without membership. It's a personal choice based on your business approach.

For more detail, read our Will Writing Qualifications Explained guide.

Here's exactly how to go from complete beginner to practising will writer:

Step 1: Complete Training

Choose a will writing course that covers:

• •Wills (types, clauses, execution)
• •Lasting Powers of Attorney
• •Client consultations
• •Basic trust knowledge
• •Business setup

Our Foundation course, which you can start free, covers all of this in 2-4 weeks; WILLO is included for 4 months in our Business Start-Up Package, then £150/month. Alternatively, see our course comparison to evaluate other options.

Step 2: Get Professional Indemnity Insurance

Before taking any clients, arrange insurance. This protects you if a will you've written is later found to have errors.

• •Cost: £200-500 per year for new practitioners
• •Providers: Several specialist insurers cover will writers
• •Timeline: Usually arranged within 1-2 weeks
• •Requirement: Most insurers need proof of training

Step 3: Choose Your Career Path

Start your own will writing business. You control everything — services, pricing, clients, hours.

Pros: Keep 100% of earnings, full flexibility, unlimited potential

Cons: Must find your own clients, handle all administration, slower start

For graduates who want structured help building the business, our add-on courses (£199 each) and Business Start-Up Package (£1,495) are optional. You can also build a successful practice entirely on your own after the Foundation.

Step 4: Set Up Your Business

To start trading, you'll need to:

• •Choose a business structure: Sole trader is simplest to start; limited company offers more protection but more admin
• •Register with HMRC: For self-assessment tax returns
• •Open a business bank account: Keep business and personal finances separate
• •Create basic marketing: Website, business cards, LinkedIn profile
• •Set your prices: Research local competitors and position accordingly

See our Start a Will Writing Business guide for detailed guidance.

Step 5: Get Will Writing Software

Professional software like WILLO makes drafting efficient and accurate. You'll produce consistent, legally compliant documents without reinventing the wheel each time.

• •WILLO software is £150/month (included for 4 months in our Business Start-Up Package) — the platform we use and recommend
• •Other will-writing software subscriptions typically cost £30-100/month
• •Good software handles will drafting, LPAs, and document management

Step 6: Find Your First Clients

This is where the real journey begins:

• •Your network: Friends, family, colleagues often know people who need wills
• •Referral partnerships: Build relationships with financial advisers, accountants, estate agents
• •Local marketing: Community groups, local advertising, networking events
• •Online presence: Google My Business, social media, your website
• •Local talks: Free presentations at community groups, U3A, retirement clubs

For detailed strategies, see our Client Acquisition Guide.

Will writing combines technical knowledge with people skills. Here's what matters most:

Communication and Empathy

You'll discuss death, family tensions, and money — sensitive topics that require tact. The best will writers make clients feel comfortable, ask the right questions, and explain complex concepts in simple terms.

This skill matters more than legal knowledge. You can learn the technicalities; good communication is harder to teach.

Good for: Former teachers, nurses, HR professionals, customer service workers, anyone who's worked with the public.

Attention to Detail

Small errors in wills can have major consequences. A misplaced comma, wrong name spelling, or incorrect witness procedure can invalidate entire documents. You need to check and double-check your work.

Good for: Accountants, administrators, proofreaders, anyone who's worked in compliance or quality control.

Organisation

You'll manage multiple clients at different stages — some in consultation, some awaiting documents, some ready to sign. Keeping track of deadlines, follow-ups, and document versions requires good systems.

Good for: Project managers, office managers, anyone who's juggled multiple priorities.

Basic Technology Skills

You don't need to be a tech expert, but you should be comfortable with:

• •Using computers and basic software
• •Video calls (increasingly common for consultations)
• •Email and calendar management
• •Document management systems

If you can use email and Word, you can learn will writing software.

Business Mindset (If Independent)

Going solo means you're running a business, not just doing will writing. You'll need to:

• •Find and convert clients
• •Manage finances and invoicing
• •Handle marketing and promotion
• •Plan for growth

If business development sounds daunting, our free Set Up Your Business course and our Client Mentality and Getting Clients course give you a structured start, so you build your own pipeline rather than figuring it out alone.

What You DON'T Need:

• •A legal background or law degree
• •Sales experience (though it helps)
• •An existing network of wealthy contacts
• •Technical expertise in computers
• •Any specific academic qualifications

Earnings vary based on hours worked, services offered, and whether you're employed or self-employed. Here are realistic figures:

Typical Service Fees

• •Simple will: £150-300
• •Mirror wills (couples): £250-450
• •Single LPA: £200-350
• •Both LPAs: £350-550
• •Will + LPAs package: £500-900
• •Full estate plan: £800-1,500+

Part-Time Earnings (2-3 days/week)

Many will writers work part-time, fitting clients around other commitments.

• •Clients per week: 2-3
• •Average client value: £350-500
• •Weekly income: £700-1,500
• •Monthly income: £2,800-6,000
• •Annual: £15,000-35,000

This is achievable working school hours, evenings, or weekends — ideal for parents or those building gradually alongside other work.

Full-Time Earnings (4-5 days/week)

Full-time practitioners typically see more clients and can command higher fees.

• •Clients per week: 4-6
• •Average client value: £400-600
• •Weekly income: £1,600-3,600
• •Monthly income: £6,400-14,400
• •Annual: £35,000-70,000+

Top performers with strong referral networks and premium services can exceed £80,000 annually.

Employed vs Self-Employed

Employed will writers typically earn £25,000-40,000 salary with limited upside but steady income.

Self-employed will writers have higher earning potential but variable income, especially initially.

Year-by-Year Progression

• •Year 1: £10,000-30,000 (building client base)
• •Year 2: £25,000-50,000 (referrals developing)
• •Year 3+: £35,000-70,000+ (established practice)

For detailed earnings analysis, see our Will Writer Salary Guide.

Will writing offers one of the fastest routes to a new professional career. Here's a realistic timeline:

Training: 2-4 Weeks

Our Foundation course takes most people 2-4 weeks studying part-time (8-10 hours per week). Intensive classroom courses can be completed in 1-5 days, though you'll need time afterwards to consolidate learning.

Setup: 1-2 Weeks

Getting insurance, setting up basic business elements, and preparing to take clients typically takes 1-2 weeks after completing training.

First Client: Within 1 Month

Most new will writers see their first client within a month of completing training. This might come from personal networks, referral partnerships, or early local marketing efforts.

Building Confidence: 2-3 Months

After 5-10 clients, you'll feel comfortable with common scenarios and develop your consultation style. Initial nervousness gives way to confidence through practice.

Sustainable Income: 6-12 Months

Building a reliable client flow takes time. Part-time earners often reach sustainable income faster (lower target), while full-time practitioners may take 6-12 months to reach their income goals.

Comparison with Other Careers:

• •Become a solicitor: 6+ years (degree + LPC + training contract)
• •Become an accountant: 3-5 years (degree + qualification)
• •Become a will writer: 1-3 months (training + setup)

Will writing offers professional-level income with a fraction of the training investment required for traditional legal careers.

Will writing attracts career changers for several compelling reasons:

Flexible Hours

You set your own schedule. See clients when it suits you — mornings, evenings, weekends. Work around school runs, other commitments, or personal preferences. No commute if you work from home.

Work from Home

Most consultations happen via video call or in clients' homes. You don't need an office. A quiet space for calls and a laptop is sufficient. This dramatically reduces overhead costs and commuting time.

See our Will Writing From Home guide for practical setup advice.

Meaningful Work

You're helping families protect their assets and wishes. Clients are genuinely grateful when you guide them through something they've been putting off. It's work that matters.

Growing Demand

An ageing population means more people need wills and LPAs. The pandemic accelerated awareness of estate planning. This isn't a shrinking industry — demand is increasing.

Good Income Potential

Professional-level earnings without professional-level barriers. Part-time income of £15,000-35,000 or full-time earnings of £35,000-70,000+ are achievable without a law degree or years of training.

Low Startup Costs

Compared to most businesses, will writing requires minimal investment:

• •Training: £299 (our Foundation, or £199 within 5 days of signing up) to £2,000
• •Insurance: £200-500/year
• •Software: WILLO at £150/month (included for 4 months in our Business Start-Up Package)
• •Marketing: £0-500 initial

You can be up and running for around £750 with our Foundation course, insurance and a first month of WILLO.

No Ceiling

As you build reputation and expertise, you can:

• •Increase prices
• •Add premium services (trusts, tax planning referrals)
• •Take on team members
• •Build a business with real value

Your earning potential isn't capped by someone else's pay scales.

We offer a clear path into will writing that starts free:

Start Free

The first two modules of our Foundation course (Welcome to Estate Planning and Understanding Wills) are free, plus our Set Up Your Business and WILLO with Ease courses. No payment needed to start.

Foundation Course — £299 (£199 within 5 days of signing up)

The full Foundation covers wills, drafting, signing and validity, trusts, LPAs, tax and care funding, professional practice and your first appointment, in written and audio lessons. It includes recorded role-plays reviewed by a trainer, a 100-question final assessment and a certificate of completion.

What Happens After Training

You complete the Foundation, get certified, and start your own independent practice. You keep 100% of what you earn, set your own prices, and run things your way.

After the Foundation, you can add individual courses (£199 each) or take the Business Start-Up Package (£1,495), which includes all add-on courses, 4 months of WILLO, case support (drafts checked before they go to the client) and cover on our insurance for 4 months for drafts checked through case support. Neither is required: you can complete the Foundation and run your own independent practice with your own software and insurance.

Start Free →

Common questions about becoming a will writer.

Start with our Will Writing Course, free to begin — no qualifications needed.