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Why a Cheap Will Can Cost So Much More!
We’ve all seen them: Wills advertised online for as little as £19.99 or FREE with a built in legacy to the Will provider, usually a charity. They promise peace of mind and a “quick fix” to one of life’s most important legal tasks. For many, the idea of sorting their Will quickly and cheaply sounds ideal—but the truth is, that initial low price tag can come at a far higher cost down the line.
Having reviewed countless “cheap Wills” over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how they often fail to offer the protection that clients genuinely need. They might seem like a bargain on the surface, but they’re often riddled with issues that not only cost thousands later, but can also cause immense stress for grieving families. Lets take a look at the common issues with me, Andy Rowden of Your Secured Legacy, experienced and qualified Will Writer.
1. No Protection Against Inheritance Tax (IHT)
One of the most common shortcomings of a cheap Will is the complete lack of planning for Inheritance Tax. With the right legal guidance, a Will can be structured to make use of allowances, exemptions, and even trusts to protect wealth from unnecessary taxation. Cheap Wills rarely do this. As a result, estates that could have passed tax-free or with reduced liability end up with a large portion going to HMRC.
It’s a painful lesson many families learn too late—especially when a properly drafted Will could have avoided the problem altogether.
2. Vulnerable to Care Home Fees
Another major issue with low-cost Wills is their failure to address future care home costs. Without proper planning, an entire estate can be consumed by care home fees, leaving very little for children or other intended beneficiaries.
Advanced Will structures, such as Life Interest Trusts, can ring-fence assets like the family home, ensuring that loved ones don’t lose their inheritance due to care costs. But unsurprisingly, you won’t find these in your £19.99 online special.
3. Estate Passing to the “Wrong” People
Cheap Wills often don't account for the complexities of modern families. In many cases, estates unintentionally pass to ex-sons or daughters-in-law—especially where adult children divorce after inheriting assets. Without suitable trust provisions or contingency planning, you risk your lifetime’s work ending up in the wrong hands.
4. The Upsell Trap
Many people who start with a “basic” Will at rock bottom prices or those ‘free’ ones that some charities assist with, quickly discover that everything they actually want—tax planning, care cost protection, trusts for children—requires additional costs. I’ve seen clients who began at under £50 but ended up paying well over £1,000 just to get a Will that offers the right level of protection.
This isn’t transparency—it’s a bait-and-switch. Don’t be fooled by it, remember the old adage: If it looks too Good to Be True: It Probably Is! Go where the pricing is transparent and not hidden under layers of ‘extras’.
5. Hidden Costs at Probate
One of the most concerning trends is when the company that writes the Will inserts itself as an Executor—often without fully explaining the consequences. By doing this, the company effectively guarantees future income from your estate, because they’ll be the ones to carry out probate.
It might seem like a helpful service, but many families find themselves at the mercy of steep probate fees later. What started as a loss-leader on a cheap Will becomes a very profitable endeavour for the company—at the expense of your loved ones.
So, What Should You Do?
Rather than falling for low-cost offers that cut corners, it’s far better to invest in a Will that is tailored to your circumstances and drafted by professionals who understand estate planning in full.
A properly written Will should:
Ultimately, a cheap Will isn’t truly cheap if it costs your family thousands later. Your estate—and your loved ones—deserve better.
