Do I need a solicitor to write a will?
Short answer: no. In England and Wales, will writing isn't a "reserved legal activity", which means you don't need a solicitor to make a valid will. Plenty of people use a will writing service instead, and for a straightforward will that's often the sensible choice.
What makes a will legally valid
Under the Wills Act 1837, your will must be in writing and signed by you, with the intention that it's your will. You have to sign it in front of two adult witnesses who are both there at the same time, and they then sign it in front of you.
You also need to have mental capacity when you make it, and make it of your own free will. A witness, or their husband, wife or civil partner, shouldn't inherit anything under the will. If they do, the will is still valid but their gift fails.
Will writer or solicitor: what's the difference?
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Will writers aren't regulated in the same way, which is why it's worth choosing carefully. A good will writing service should be clear about who drafts and checks your will, what's included in the price, and what happens if your situation turns out to be more complex.
Simply Smart Wills isn't a firm of solicitors, and I'm upfront about that. I draft every will from your questionnaire, it's given a thorough second check before it's finalised, and I carry out a quick capacity check with you by video call as part of my due diligence.
When a solicitor is worth it
For most people with a home, some savings and a family they want to look after, a simple will does the job. A solicitor is more likely to be worth the extra cost if you have significant business interests, complex trusts, assets in several countries, or you expect someone to challenge your will. If anything in your questionnaire points that way, I'll tell you before you commit to anything.