If you are thinking about making a will in Kent, you have a choice between solicitors, online services and professional will writers. This guide explains what will writers do, what they charge, and how to find the right professional in your area — whether you are in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, or elsewhere in Kent.
In this guide
What is a will writer?
A will writer is a professional who specialises in helping people create legally valid wills and, in many cases, Lasting Powers of Attorney and broader estate planning documents. They typically focus exclusively on this area, which means they tend to offer a more personal, accessible experience than a general solicitor.
Professional will writers in Kent often work from local offices or offer home visits, making the process more convenient — particularly for those who prefer not to travel to a city centre or who find formal legal offices intimidating.
Will writing is not a regulated profession in the same way as solicitors, which is why it is important to check credentials and professional memberships when choosing a will writer. Look for membership of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) or the Society of Will Writers (SWW), which set standards and maintain professional codes of conduct.
What does a will writer help with?
A professional will writer can help you:
A good will writer does not just fill in forms — they ask the right questions and help you think through situations you may not have considered. For more detail on the services we provide, visit our wills service page.
Will writer or solicitor: which do you need?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on your circumstances.
A will writer is usually the right choice when:
- You want a straightforward will and possibly LPAs
- You prefer a personal, plain-English approach
- You want someone who focuses exclusively on wills and estate planning
- Your situation is reasonably straightforward — family, property, savings
- You want a home visit or local office appointment rather than a formal firm
A solicitor may be more appropriate when:
- Your estate involves complex contested legal issues
- You need specialist tax advice beyond estate planning
- There are disputes or litigation involved
- You are dealing with a very large or multi-jurisdictional estate
The majority of will writing needs across Kent — including straightforward wills, mirror wills for couples, wills with trust provisions, and LPAs — are well within the scope of a professional will writer. Many families are surprised to find that a will writer offers a more thorough and personal service than a busy high street solicitor at a lower cost.
How much does a will cost in Kent?
The cost of making a will in Kent varies depending on the provider and the complexity of your circumstances. Here is a general guide to what you can expect to pay:
For individuals with a straightforward estate and no trust provisions
For couples making wills with similar provisions, usually discounted compared to two singles
For wills including protective property trusts, life interest trusts or discretionary trusts
Plus the Office of the Public Guardian registration fee of £82 per LPA (England and Wales)
Online will services typically charge less — sometimes under £100 — but they provide a template rather than tailored advice, and they cannot ask you the questions that uncover issues you have not thought of. For most people with property, children or any complexity, the cost of getting advice from a professional is money well spent.
At Legacy Lines, we publish our pricing openly. See our full pricing page for exact figures, including fixed-fee bundles for couples.
How to choose a will writer in Kent
Choosing the right will writer is about more than price. Here are the key things to look for:
Professional credentials
Check whether the will writer is a member of a recognised professional body such as the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) or the Society of Will Writers (SWW). Members are bound by professional standards, codes of conduct and continuing education requirements.
Local knowledge and accessibility
A will writer who works regularly in Kent will understand the local context and be accessible if you have follow-up questions. Local professionals can also offer home visits or conveniently located office appointments, which many people prefer for conversations about personal and family matters.
Clear communication
Your will writer should explain everything in plain English without jargon. You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that your wishes are being properly understood. If a will writer rushes or is dismissive of your questions, that is a warning sign.
Transparent pricing
A professional will writer should be able to give you a clear price before you commit. Avoid anyone who cannot tell you what the total cost will be, or who adds charges at later stages that were not mentioned upfront.
Reviews and recommendations
Look for independent reviews, testimonials or recommendations from people in your area. Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find a good will writer.
Will writers near me: Kent towns covered by Legacy Lines
Legacy Lines is based in Tonbridge and provides will writing and estate planning services throughout Kent. We support clients across:
Not sure if we cover your area? Call 07944 205 553 or get in touch — we are happy to help.
We also have dedicated local pages with information specific to certain towns: Will writers in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone.
How the Legacy Lines process works
We have designed our process to be simple, clear and unhurried:
Free initial consultation
A no-obligation conversation to understand your situation and wishes. This can take place by phone, video, or in person.
Tailored guidance
We explain your options and help you think through any aspects you have not considered. No jargon, no pressure.
Drafting
We draft your will or LPA documents and send them to you for review.
Amendments and approval
You review the draft and we make any changes until you are completely happy.
Signing guidance
We explain precisely how to sign and witness your documents correctly, so they are legally valid.
Most straightforward wills are completed within two to three weeks. We also offer an expedited service for urgent situations.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a will cost in Kent?
A straightforward single will from a professional will writer in Kent typically costs between £150 and £300. Mirror wills for couples usually cost between £200 and £400. Legacy Lines publishes clear pricing upfront — see our pricing page for details.
Do you provide will writing services in Tonbridge?
Yes. Legacy Lines is based in Tonbridge, Kent. We offer both home visits and appointments at our Tonbridge office, and we regularly support clients in Tonbridge and the surrounding area.
Do you cover Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone?
Yes. We provide will writing and estate planning services throughout Kent, including Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Maidstone and many other towns and villages.
How does the will writing process work?
The process begins with a free initial consultation to understand your wishes and circumstances. We then draft your will for review, make any amendments, and guide you through signing and witnessing correctly. Most straightforward wills are completed within two to three weeks.
What is the difference between a will writer and a solicitor?
A professional will writer specialises specifically in wills and estate planning and typically offers a more personal, accessible service at a lower cost. A solicitor may be preferable for very complex legal matters beyond will writing, such as disputed estates or specialist tax advice. For most will writing needs in Kent, a professional will writer is an excellent choice.
Ready to make your will with a trusted local professional? Learn more about our professional will writing services across Kent.