Will Writing Training — Everything You Need to Know

Will writing training prepares you to help families protect their assets and wishes through legally valid wills and related documents. It's practical, vocational education that transforms complete beginners into competent professionals — typically in a matter of weeks, not years.

Unlike becoming a solicitor (which takes 6+ years of university and training contracts), will writing training focuses specifically on the knowledge and skills you need to serve clients effectively. You'll learn the law that matters, the documents you'll create, and the client skills that make clients trust you with their family's future.

Who takes will writing training?

The typical trainee isn't who you might expect. Most aren't recent graduates or legal professionals. Instead, they're:

• •Career changers in their 40s-60s seeking flexible, meaningful work
• •Parents wanting to work around school hours
• •Professionals facing redundancy who want to control their future
• •Retirees seeking part-time income and purpose
• •Anyone wanting to work from home with professional earnings

You don't need a legal background, degree, or specific qualifications. What you need is the ability to communicate clearly, pay attention to detail, and genuinely care about helping families. The training provides everything else.

What will writing training is NOT:

It's not a law degree. You won't spend years studying legal theory or case law. It's practical, focused training that gets you working with clients in weeks. Think of it as professional vocational training — similar to how financial advisers or mortgage brokers are trained, rather than how solicitors qualify.

Quality will writing training covers everything you need to serve clients professionally. Here's what comprehensive programmes include:

The Wills Act 1837 and Legal Framework

You'll learn the legal requirements that make a will valid: who can make one, witnessing requirements, what can invalidate a will, and the formalities that must be followed. This foundation ensures every document you create is legally sound.

Types of Wills

Different clients need different solutions:

• •Simple wills — straightforward distribution of assets
• •Mirror wills — matching wills for couples
• •Trust wills — protecting assets for beneficiaries
• •Life interest wills — providing for a spouse while protecting children's inheritance
• •Business wills — special provisions for business owners

Executors and Trustees

Understanding who does what after death: appointing executors, their responsibilities, when trustees are needed, and how to explain these roles to clients.

Common Will Clauses

The building blocks of wills: residuary clauses, specific gifts, guardianship appointments, funeral wishes, and the standard provisions that protect beneficiaries.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

Most clients need LPAs alongside their wills. You'll learn:

• •The two types (Health & Welfare, Property & Financial)
• •The registration process with the Office of the Public Guardian
• •How to explain their importance to clients
• •Common mistakes to avoid

This is crucial — will writers who can't offer LPAs lose significant business to competitors.

Basic Trust Knowledge

When to recommend trusts, the main types (life interest, discretionary, bare trusts), and how they protect assets. You won't become a trust specialist, but you'll know when to suggest them and explain basics to clients.

Client Consultations

Perhaps the most important skill: how to conduct professional client meetings. This covers:

• •Building rapport and trust quickly
• •Asking the right questions to understand needs
• •Explaining complex concepts simply
• •Handling sensitive family situations
• •Taking accurate instructions

Using Will Writing Software

Modern will writers use professional software like WILLO to draft documents. Good training includes hands-on practice with software, so you're productive immediately after qualifying rather than struggling with new systems.

Business Fundamentals

Unless you're joining an established firm, you'll need to understand:

• •Getting professional indemnity insurance
• •Pricing your services competitively
• •Finding and converting clients
• •Basic marketing and networking
• •Setting up as self-employed

Training duration varies significantly depending on format and intensity. Here's what to expect from different approaches:

Intensive Courses: 1-5 Days

Some providers offer concentrated classroom or live online programmes. You'll cover all core content in a short burst, then learn through practice.

Advantages: Fast qualification, focused learning, immediate immersion

Considerations: Information-heavy, less time for reflection, may need revision afterwards

Best for: Those who learn well under pressure, people with limited time availability

Self-Paced Online: 2-8 Weeks

Most popular format, especially for career changers. You study when it suits you, typically completing modules over several weeks.

Advantages: Flexibility around work/family, can revisit content, learn at your own pace

Considerations: Requires self-discipline, easy to procrastinate

Best for: Career changers, parents, anyone with variable schedules

Our free training typically takes 2-4 weeks for most people studying part-time (8-10 hours per week).

Part-Time Structured: 2-3 Months

Some programmes spread learning across several months with weekly sessions or milestones.

Advantages: Time to absorb and apply learning, fits around busy lives, ongoing support

Considerations: Longer to complete, requires sustained commitment

Best for: Those wanting thorough grounding before starting practice

Advanced Qualifications: 6+ Months

Professional qualifications from bodies like STEP take longer but provide deeper expertise and recognition.

Advantages: Industry-recognised credentials, comprehensive knowledge, professional prestige

Considerations: Significant time investment, often requires prior experience

Best for: Experienced practitioners wanting to advance, those targeting high-net-worth clients

Our Recommendation

For most people starting out, 2-4 weeks of focused training is sufficient to begin working with clients competently. The real learning happens when you start seeing real clients — training gives you the foundation, experience builds expertise.

Don't be put off by short training periods. Will writing is a practical skill. A nurse doesn't learn nursing only from textbooks — they need hands-on experience. The same applies here. Good training prepares you; real client work develops you.

Different training formats suit different people. Here's an honest comparison:

Online Self-Paced

This is the most flexible option. You access video lessons, reading materials, and quizzes online, completing them whenever suits you. There's no fixed schedule — you progress as quickly or slowly as you want.

Pros:

• •Study at 6am or midnight — whenever works for you
• •No travel costs or time
• •Can revisit difficult sections
• •Often more affordable
• •Learn from home

Cons:

• •Requires self-discipline
• •Less immediate support for questions
• •Limited networking with other trainees
• •Easy to put off if not motivated

Best for: Career changers fitting study around work, parents with unpredictable schedules, self-motivated learners

Classroom/Residential

Traditional face-to-face training with an instructor and fellow students. You attend fixed sessions, either as day courses or intensive residential programmes.

Pros:

• •Immediate feedback from tutors
• •Learn from others' questions
• •Structured environment keeps you focused
• •Networking opportunities
• •Interactive exercises

Cons:

• •Fixed dates require time off work
• •Travel costs and time
• •More expensive
• •Can't revisit content easily
• •Miss a day, miss content

Best for: Those who prefer structured environments, people seeking networking, those who learn better in groups

Hybrid (Blended Learning)

Combines online self-study with some face-to-face elements — perhaps online theory followed by practical workshops.

Pros:

• •Flexibility of online with interaction of classroom
• •Practical skills developed in person
• •Theory at your pace, application with support

Cons:

• •Still requires some travel/time commitment
• •Can be more expensive
• •Scheduling workshops may be tricky

Best for: Those wanting balance, visual learners who also value interaction

1-to-1 Training

Some providers offer individual training tailored to your needs, either in person or via video call.

Pros:

• •Completely personalised
• •Learn at exactly your pace
• •All questions answered immediately
• •Flexible scheduling

Cons:

• •Usually most expensive option
• •No peer learning
• •No networking

Best for: Fast-track learners, those with specific needs, people with generous budgets

Our View

For most people, online self-paced training delivers the best value and results. The flexibility means you can study effectively around existing commitments, and modern online courses include video content, interactive elements, and support that matches classroom quality. Don't assume online means inferior — it's about the content and support, not the delivery method.

Not all training is equal. Here's how to identify quality programmes versus those that waste your time and money:

Practical Focus Over Theory

Good training prepares you for real client situations. You should learn by doing — drafting actual wills, handling case studies, role-playing consultations. Courses heavy on legal theory but light on application leave you knowing laws but not how to apply them.

Red flag: Training that's mostly reading or lectures without practical exercises.

Green flag: Case studies based on real scenarios, hands-on document drafting, role-play consultations.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Will writing alone isn't enough. Clients need LPAs, basic trust advice, and proper consultations. Training that only covers simple wills leaves you unable to serve most clients fully.

Red flag: "Will writing only" courses with no LPA training.

Green flag: Curriculum covering wills, LPAs, trusts, consultations, and business basics.

Software Training Included

Professional will writers use software to draft documents efficiently and accurately. If your training doesn't include software, you'll need to learn separately — adding cost and time.

Red flag: No mention of software or "bring your own."

Green flag: WILLO or equivalent software available at a discount with hands-on training.

Ongoing Support After Completion

The best training doesn't end with a certificate. You'll have questions when you start seeing clients, encounter unusual situations, and need guidance. Good providers offer ongoing access to mentors, communities, or support channels.

Red flag: "Complete the course and you're on your own."

Green flag: Community access, mentor availability, ongoing support options.

Business Guidance

Unless you're joining an existing firm, you'll need to set up your own business. Good training covers insurance, pricing, finding clients, and practical business basics.

Red flag: Pure technical training with no business content.

Green flag: Dedicated modules on business setup, marketing, and client acquisition.

Realistic Expectations

Beware training that promises instant wealth or guaranteed success. Will writing is a genuine career opportunity, but it requires effort to build a client base. Honest providers set realistic expectations.

Red flag: "Earn £100k in your first year guaranteed!"

Green flag: Honest income ranges with realistic timelines.

Value, Not Just Price

The cheapest isn't always worst, and expensive doesn't mean best. Consider what's included:

• •Is software included or extra?
• •Are there ongoing fees (memberships, subscriptions)?
• •What support comes after?
• •What career paths does it open?

A free course with software and ongoing support may deliver far better value than a £2,000 course that ends at certification.

Will writing training costs range from completely free to several thousand pounds. Here's what different price points typically offer:

Free Training (£0)

Yes, genuinely free will writing training exists. We offer comprehensive training at no cost because we believe the legal foundations of estate planning shouldn't be gatekept. You receive full professional education, software access, and certification without paying anything.

What you get: Complete curriculum, software (WILLO), certificate, ongoing support

The trade-off: We make money when graduates upgrade to our paid coached programme to build their business — but the free training is yours to keep, with no obligation

Best for: Career changers, those testing the waters, budget-conscious learners

Budget Options (£200-500)

Entry-level paid courses, often covering basic will writing without comprehensive LPA or business training.

What you get: Core will writing knowledge, basic certification

What's often missing: LPA training, software, ongoing support, business guidance

Best for: Those wanting minimal investment who'll supplement with other learning

Mid-Range (£500-1,000)

Professional body courses (IPW, SWW) and more comprehensive independent training fall here.

What you get: Thorough curriculum, professional qualification, industry recognition

What's often missing: Software (separate cost), ongoing support may require membership

Additional costs: Annual membership fees (£200-400/year) often required

Best for: Those committed to independent practice wanting industry credentials

Premium (£1,000-2,000+)

Intensive programmes, often including software and extensive support. Advanced qualifications (STEP) also fall here.

What you get: Comprehensive training, software often included, ongoing support

Best for: Those wanting all-in-one packages, advanced practitioners

Hidden Costs to Watch

When comparing prices, look beyond the headline figure:

• •Software subscriptions: Many courses don't include software. Expect £30-100/month for professional systems.
• •Membership fees: Professional bodies require annual fees (£200-400) to maintain qualification.
• •Insurance: You'll need professional indemnity insurance regardless of training (£200-500/year).
• •CPD requirements: Ongoing training to maintain some qualifications.

Total First-Year Investment Comparison:

Free course route:

• •Training: £0
• •Software: WILLO at £150/month
• •Insurance: ~£300
• •Total: ~£450 first month, £150/month ongoing

Mid-range paid route:

• •Training: £700
• •Software: £600 (£50/month)
• •Membership: £300
• •Insurance: £300
• •Total: ~£1,900

The difference is significant. Free training with affordable software removes substantial financial barriers.

We offer comprehensive will writing training completely free. Here's exactly what you receive:

7 Professional Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Estate Planning

Understanding the industry landscape, career opportunities, day-to-day realities, and whether this career suits your goals and personality.

Module 2: Understanding Wills

The Wills Act 1837, legal requirements, types of wills, execution and witnessing, common clauses, and what makes documents valid or invalid.

Module 3: Creating Wills with WILLO

Hands-on training with professional will writing software. You'll draft real documents, learning the system you'll use in practice.

Module 4: Lasting Powers of Attorney

Both types of LPA, the registration process, common scenarios, and how to explain their importance to clients. This additional service significantly increases your earning potential.

Module 5: Trusts & Estate Planning

Foundation knowledge of trusts — when to recommend them, main types, and how they protect clients. You'll know when to suggest trusts and explain basics confidently.

Module 6: Client Consultations

The art of professional client meetings: building rapport, asking effective questions, handling sensitive topics, taking accurate instructions, and explaining complex concepts simply.

Module 7: Building Your Business

Practical guidance on getting insured, pricing services, finding clients, and establishing your independent practice.

What's Also Included:

• •Lessons you can watch and rewatch at your convenience
• •Interactive quizzes testing your understanding of each module
• •Real case studies from practising will writers
• •WILLO software access — the professional drafting platform used across the industry
• •Certificate of completion demonstrating your training
• •Ongoing community access for questions and support

Why It's Free

We believe the legal foundations of estate planning shouldn't be gatekept behind £1,000-2,000 paywalls. Free training lets anyone serious about this career test the water and learn the law without taking financial risk.

We make money when graduates decide they want help building the business — through our paid coached programme. But there's no obligation to upgrade. Complete the free training, subscribe to WILLO at £150/month, and run your own independent practice without ever paying us another penny if that's what suits you.

Start Free Training Now →

Completing training is the beginning, not the end. Here's what comes next:

Step 1: Get Insured

Before taking any clients, you need professional indemnity insurance. This protects both you and your clients if something goes wrong with a will you've written.

• •Cost: Typically £200-500 per year for new practitioners
• •Providers: Several specialist insurers cover will writers
• •Timeline: Usually arranged within 1-2 weeks

Most insurers require evidence of training — another reason proper education matters.

Step 2: Consider Professional Body Membership

Joining the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) or Society of Will Writers (SWW) provides credibility and support, though it's not legally required.

• •Cost: £200-400 per year
• •Benefits: Professional recognition, ongoing training, complaints procedures, networking
• •Required? No, but can help with client confidence

Many successful will writers operate without professional body membership. It's a personal choice based on your business approach.

Step 3: Set Up Your Practice

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

• •Find your own clients through networking, marketing, referrals
• •Set your own prices and keep 100% (minus expenses)
• •Handle your own compliance and administration
• •Full flexibility, full responsibility, full earnings

Our paid coached programme exists for graduates who want help with the business-build side — pricing, sales, marketing, and partnerships — but it's optional. Many graduates complete the free training, subscribe to WILLO, and build their practice without ever working with us again.

Step 4: Start Seeing Clients

You'll begin consulting with clients typically within 1-4 weeks of completing training.

• •First clients often come from personal networks
• •Confidence builds quickly with practice
• •Ongoing community support helps with tricky situations
• •Income starts flowing as you establish your practice

Realistic Timeline to Earning

• •Month 1: Complete training, get insured, set up basics
• •Month 2-3: First clients, gaining confidence
• •Month 4-6: Regular client flow developing
• •Month 6-12: Building toward sustainable income

Part-time earners can see meaningful income within months. Full-time income typically takes 6-12 months to establish through referrals, networking, and a strong local presence.

Common questions about will writing training answered.

See our Will Writing Course for full details on our free training programme, or read about Will Writing Qualifications to understand the different pathways.