Will Writing Service
Train as a will writer and run home visits + Zoom appointments for older clients
Train as a will writer and run home visits + Zoom appointments for older clients.
As a will writer, your day-to-day tasks involve meeting clients at their homes or via Zoom to discuss their wishes regarding estate planning. You will draft wills tailored to their needs, ensuring they understand the legalities involved. You'll also handle client follow-ups, answer queries, and manage any administrative work related to the will-writing process, including document storage and updates.
The UK is witnessing an ageing population, with more individuals seeking clarity on estate planning. Many older clients are more comfortable with home visits or virtual meetings, particularly after the pandemic has shifted attitudes towards remote services. This creates a timely opportunity for will writers who can provide flexible, accessible services tailored to older demographics.
The ideal founder for this business should have strong communication skills, empathy, and a keen interest in legal matters. Expect to invest around 10-15 hours per week to start, focusing on training, client acquisition, and service delivery. Being organised and proactive will be crucial in managing appointments and client needs effectively.
Within the first 12-24 months, you could realistically build a client base that allows you to complete 1-3 wills per week, leading to a potential revenue of £7,800 to £46,800 annually. As you establish your reputation and referral networks, your earnings could grow significantly, especially if you expand your service offerings.
- Law
- Empathy
£150–£600 per will
Gross margins for will writing services can be around 70-80%.
The rise in remote working has led to increased acceptance of virtual appointments, making it easier for older clients to access services. Additionally, with the UK's ageing population, the demand for will writing is set to increase, creating an ideal environment for new entrants.
Primarily, your customers will be older adults, often over 50, who need assistance with estate planning. Typically, these clients are looking for personal, trustworthy service to navigate a complex area of law.
The will writing market in the UK is growing, with an estimated worth of over £200 million. Recent studies indicate that about 60% of adults do not have a will, highlighting a significant gap and opportunity for new will writers.
Revenue & pricing
You will charge clients between £150 to £600 for will writing services, depending on the complexity of the wills required. Additional services, such as lasting power of attorney, can further enhance your revenue.
- Basic will: £150
- Couple's will: £300
- Complex will (including trusts): £600
- Lasting power of attorney: £200 each
Costs
- Training course£300
- Insurance (professional indemnity)£200
- Marketing materials (business cards, flyers)£100
- Website setup£400
- Membership (Institute of Professional Willwriters)£150
- Insurance£20
- Website hosting£15
- Marketing (ads, networking)£50
- Software subscriptions (e.g., document templates)30
First steps
- 1Train + join IPW
- 2Get insurance
- 3Build referral with funeral homes
Your first 90 days
- Complete will writing training and obtain certification.
- Set up a professional website with service details and booking options.
- Develop marketing materials (business cards, flyers).
- Join local networking groups and funeral homes for referrals.
- Start social media presence focused on estate planning topics.
- Book at least 5 client appointments (home/Zoom).
- Complete 3-5 wills and gather customer testimonials.
- Establish partnerships with at least 2 local funeral homes.
- Implement a simple CRM system to track leads and clients.
- Review and optimise marketing strategies based on initial feedback.
How to get customers
Social media
Share informative content on estate planning and client testimonials.
Local partnerships
Collaborate with funeral homes and estate agents for referrals.
Networking events
Attend local events to connect with potential clients and partners.
Email marketing
Send out newsletters with tips on wills and estate planning.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide (business banking) | Free | Easy to manage business finances. |
| Xero (accounting software) | £10/month | For invoicing and tracking income/expenses. |
| Calendly (appointment scheduling) | Free tier available | To manage client bookings efficiently. |
| GoCardless (payment processing) | 1% per transaction | For easy recurring payments. |
| Notion (project management) | Free | To organise client information and tasks. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the time needed for client consultations and follow-ups.
- Neglecting to build a referral network early on.
- Failing to get proper insurance coverage.
- Inadequate marketing leading to low client acquisition.
- Not keeping up with legal changes in estate planning.
How to scale this
- 1Start as a solo will writer handling all client appointments.
- 2Outsource administrative tasks to a virtual assistant as workload increases.
- 3Hire additional will writers to expand service offerings.
- 4Develop online courses or resources for DIY estate planning to reach a wider audience.
Risks & mitigations
Market saturation with existing will writers.
Differentiate with exceptional customer service and niche marketing.
Potential legal disputes from clients.
Obtain professional indemnity insurance and stay updated on legal obligations.
Economic downturn affecting discretionary spending.
Offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options.
Difficulty in obtaining clients initially.
Focus on networking and building strong referral relationships.
UK legal & compliance
- Register as self-employed with HMRC to ensure tax compliance.
- Obtain professional indemnity insurance to protect against claims.
- Follow GDPR regulations when handling client data, ensuring secure storage.
- Consider joining a professional body like the Institute of Professional Willwriters for credibility.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to become a will writer?
You need to complete a training course, often followed by certification.
How do I find clients?
Networking, referrals from funeral homes, and online marketing are effective strategies.
Can I write wills for clients in different regions?
Yes, but be aware of regional legal differences in will writing.
What happens if a will is contested?
Having professional indemnity insurance can protect you against claims.
Is this business scalable?
Yes, you can expand by hiring additional writers and offering online resources.
Ready to start this one?
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