So I have this neighbour, who’s not frantically rich but has enough properties and assets. The thing is, they also have five children, whom they want to be settled. When she mentioned she’s looking for an estate planning lawyer, I offered to help.
Together with my Wunderlust London team, we dug and searched for the best estate planning lawyers in London. After asking around and filtering the services offered, we came up with this roundup.
Check out these reliable law firms that you can trust, whether it’s preparing a will, setting up trusts, or handling inheritance tax.
How much do estate planning lawyers charge in London?
Estate planning lawyers charge from £150 to £300 per hour. Some firms offer fixed fees for some of their services, like will writing and comprehensive estate planning. Other fees to consider include VAT and a lasting power of attorney.
How we chose the best estate planning lawyers in London
- Experience: We picked law firms with strong experience in estate planning, especially those recognised by legal directories.
- Services Offered: For convenience, we prioritised lawyers who have a full range of services, from writing a will and trusts to probate. If they offer cross-border planning, even better.
- Pricing: We understand that legal fees can vary widely, but we chose the firms that have clear, upfront costs so clients can immediately see if the firm fits them.
- Customer Service: Aside from legal knowledge, we believe that a good estate planning lawyer should be responsive, approachable, and empathetic. We paid attention to client testimonials to confirm this.
1. Buckingham Gate Estate Planning
Address: 68 King William St
Contact Details: +442034782160
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Buckingham Gate Estate Planning is a specialised firm handling estate planning and probate. If you’re in Central London, their office is just a 10-minute walk away from London Bridge Station. They have a pretty convenient location.
We like that their firm is very clear and focused on the legal services they offer. They’re not a full-service firm, so don’t expect services beyond estate planning. They offer wills and trust drafting, inheritance tax mitigation, and asset protection.
But we think that their specialised focus would do good for clients who want dedicated expertise in trusts, wills, and probate. This way, solicitors don’t get distracted with unrelated practice areas.
Their previous clients are also happy with their performance. A couple shared that they chose the firm because it has everything they need, like sound estate planning, inheritance tax efficiency, and hassle-free paperwork.
Another client also highlighted their family’s long-standing relationship with Buckingham Gate. Since 2015, they’ve been running to the firm for advice regarding their family’s asset matters, and it has always felt like a personalised service.
However, note that their assisted probate service can be expensive. For instance, a simple estate worth £650,000 below costs £11,995. Meanwhile, a complex estate worth £2M or overseas-related costs £23,995.
Comprehensive explanations
“Very welcoming. Comprehensive explanations. We understand Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning very much better now. We would be happy to recommend Buckingham Gate Inheritance and Estate Planning Ltd to anyone to deal with their IHT and Estate Planning.”
– Mr. Nayyar Naqvi, Google Review
Professional, knowledgeable, and efficient
“Matthew Smith at Buckingham Gate is very professional, knowledgeable and efficient. He provides excellent financial planning advice on many topics, without trying to upsell or pressure you into high commission products, which is rare in my experience. His communication style is clear and helpful. I would highly recommend using him.”
– Ms. Hedyeh Alwani, Google Review
2. Meers Legal Services
Address: Thomas House, 84 Eccleston Square, Pimlico
Contact Details: +442038580307
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Meers Legal Services is a boutique law firm handling will writing, trusts, and lasting power of attorney. They have a pretty nice list of services covering both personal and business-related trusts.
Note that it’s a two-man team, composed of Jeff and Sarah. Despite their limited hands, they still continue to deliver results.
For instance, a client thanked the firm for refreshing and updating their wills and lasting power of attorney based on their family’s needs.
Another client also praised for being very helpful and empathetic. He noted that Jeff even visited his 92-year-old aunt twice to arrange her will, lasting power of attorney, and funeral plans. The fact that it’s 100 miles away proves that the firm puts in real effort.
Aside from their basic estate planning service, we also find their Family Protective Package service interesting. This is helpful for those who want a more comprehensive and intact level of support, like inheritance tax planning and estate administration.
We believe that they’ve put this package in place to support families during stressful times. This is a valuable option for those who want peace of mind.
Clear and balanced advice
“Two generations of our family commissioned Jeff and Sarah at Meers Legal Services for refreshed and updated Wills and the latest Lasting Powers of Attorney documents. Jeff listened to our family’s needs and preferences, provided clear and balanced advice, then shared and discussed drafts before we finalised all the key documents and had them registered and lodged with the appropriate recipients. A smooth and professional service, and value for money.”
– Mr. David W., Google Review
Informative and efficient
“Meers Legal Services was very informative and efficient when dealing with the wills of both myself and my parents. Jeff and Sarah were very personable and patient with the whole family and made me feel at ease. I would certainly recommend Meers Legal Services to friends.”
– Mr. Ben Shields, Google Review
3. ONCE Wills and Trusts Limited
Address: Here East The Press Centre
Contact Details: +442034884075, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
ONCE Wills and Trusts Limited was founded by Richard Ansah, a registered trusts and estates practitioner. Since 2019, they’ve been serving clients in need of managing their assets.
It’s a plus for us that Richard is a financial education expert. That means he knows and brings not only legal knowledge but also financial expertise into the estate planning process.
We believe that clients benefit from advice that looks at the bigger picture. For instance, how their wills, trusts, and inheritance plans will fit into their overall financial situation. This dual expertise ensures that assets are well-protected.
Some of the services ONCE offers are estate planning, asset protection, and inheritance tax planning.
A former client shared that Richard provided a very thorough and detailed approach to estate planning for their family. She mentioned that Richard explained complicated matters with clarity and did regular follow-ups to help them stay on track.
Also, another client expressed deep gratitude to Richard for his expertise and professionalism during a very emotional and daunting will writing. She noted that Richard is a good listener and made sure that every detail is carefully addressed.
Downsides? This firm is only a two-man team, which could affect their availability.
Highly efficient
“As a client who is a legal advisor, I would wholeheartedly recommend Once Wills and Trusts Limited, for their expertise and highly efficient completion of Wills and Trust documents. They were able to take me and my family through the process, explaining everything in the simplest terms where everyone could understand.”
– Mr. Ray Williams, Google Review
High-class service
“I have been reassured and graciously directed through the trust and will-making with Richard. His thoroughness, explanations and overall calm demeanour have been a God-send.
I am fantastically pleased with the outcomes and would highly recommend you put your trust in ONCE to deliver an ONCE and for high-class service.”
– Ms. Pauline Scanlon, Google Review
4. Willclaim Solicitors
Address: 5 St John’s Ln
Contact Details: +442033225103
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Willclaim Solicitors is a firm offering will dispute services. Their services are very limited, but they’re on our list because not all firms have will dispute solicitors like Willclaim.
First things first, this firm doesn’t write or draft wills. Instead, they’re the experts in handling your will disputes, which is usually on a no-win no no-fee basis. This is helpful for those who find themselves in an unfair will situation.
For instance, their previous client contacted them to challenge a will and shared how hassle-free the process turned out to be. They shared that Malcom, their solicitor, made a difficult situation feel very manageable. On top of this, there are also regular updates.
Another client shared how thankful she was for the lawyers who handled her case, especially Malcolm. She explained that Malcom helped her secure part of her father’s estate after a complicated will dispute.
This case stood out to us because it’s a very complex one. The father died before revising the will, and the firm was able to prove the father’s intention to her daughter. This just proved the solicitor’s expertise and skills in handling such cases.
The only thing clients don’t like is the customer service they get via phone. They noted that the phone staff are a bit rude and very abrupt in ending the inquiry call.
Expert and determined solicitor
“I cannot praise Malcolm Tuvey enough for his calm, unflappable demeanour and his tenacity in securing a successful outcome for my Sister and me. Having first met with Malcolm in 201,6, our journey at the time seemed a long, sometimes very dark road.
I can honestly say that at that time, Malcolm was a beacon of light for the pair of us. Our case was resolved in early 2025. Yes, it took a long time. It was a particularly complicated situation. Malcolm’s expertise and quiet determination won out. You can trust Malcolm. My Sister and I have no hesitation in recommending his services.”
– Ms. Sally Dignam – Thomas, Google Review
Superb service
“Malcolm has been superb at his job from start to finish. I thought it would be difficult to challenge a will, but Malcolm and his team were there from start to finish, helping me at any point. My emails were responded to swiftly. Malcolm is very understanding, and more importantly, he is very good at his job, ultimately getting me the result I wanted. I highly recommend this company and Malcolm, and would definitely use them again if the need arose. Thank you so much.”
– Ms. Susan Holton, Google Review
5. Woodfords Solicitors LLP
Address: 11 Harwood Rd
Contact Details: +442077310750
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Woodfords Solicitors LLP is a well-established firm that started in 1961. It’s a full-service law firm with services spanning from property and family law to estate planning.
Since it’s a full-service law firm, expect that they can handle a variety of legal matters. This makes them a convenient option for those who may need estate planning alongside other services like dispute resolution or conveyancing.
However, being a full-service firm can sometimes affect its availability. Note that wills and estate planning are just one of many practice areas they cover.
If you’re looking for highly specialised estate planning advice, you may prefer a boutique firm focused on wills, trusts, and probate.
Despite this being a little con, still, clients are still satisfied with their service. For instance, a client needed to update his will, and Woodfords Solicitors responded quickly.
Another client said that the firm is efficient when she sought help with her will and a case related to employment law. She specifically thanked Rajan Berry for handling her case thoroughly.
Another thing we like is that they offer a free initial consultation. However, pricing-wise, we find them a bit expensive. Their single will cost £595 plus VAT, while a married couple is charged at £695.
Efficient and helpful
“We’ve recently had help from Harry Apostoli in managing a property transaction – he was very efficient, thorough and helpful on all counts! Can recommend the Woodfords team, who have also helped us in the past with wills and employment law (Rajan Berry). Many thanks!”
– Ms. Anna Mackay, Google Review
Professional and friendly
“Always found Woodfords Solicitors to be efficient, professional and friendly, and this was again confirmed when we recently updated our Wills with them.”
– Mr. Christopher Robey, Google Review
