Fewer than half of consumers are using solicitors to write their wills. Could this indicate a change within legal services for will drafting?
According to the latest IRN Reports Survey, only 49% of people are turning to legal services for will creation. Just five years ago, that figure stood at 56%. This shows that consumers are now considering alternatives in a world where digital convenience is becoming the norm.
DIY wills and unbundling : A rise in consumer confidence or a risky trend?
Perhaps the most striking statistic is that 13% of consumers are now opting to write their own wills, up from just 8% last year. While this reflects a rise in consumer confidence and the accessibility of online legal tools, it does also raise serious concerns about legal validity, unintended consequences, and the complexity of estate planning. A poorly drafted will can do more harm than good, and the cost of rectifying mistakes often far outweighs the money saved, particularly when it comes to contentious probate claims.
The Increase in unbundling- where consumers draft simple parts of their wills and consult professionals only for the complicated sections – grew from 4% to 10% in just one year. This hybrid model is an indication of how people want legal services delivered today. Consumers are increasingly looking for affordable and tailored wills on their terms.
Advice is changing: not just about wills
While the demand for will-writing from solicitors is falling, the appetite for professional advice in other areas- especially powers of attorney- is on the rise. Up to 22% of consumers now seek help with these types of documents, an increase from 18% the year before. As our population ages and awareness of end-of-life planning grows, this demand is only likely to increase.
The rise in funeral and pre-paid probate plans, from 12% to 15% and 4% to 9% respectively, further shows a growing trend: Consumers are proactively planning for death in practical, financially conscious ways.
Brand recognition and trust
Despite a few familiar names- Co-operative Legal services is leading with 66% recognition- no single provider is currently dominating the market. Not one brand was used by more than 10% of surveyed consumers. This shows that the legal services market remains deeply fragmented, and brand trust is still being earned.
What’s more, nearly 40% of consumers wrongly believe all will writers are regulated. Showing a gap in consumer education- and a possible opportunity for regulated firms to better distinguish themselves in a crowded space.
Meanwhile, the probate system continues to strain under pressure. Almost half of consumers say the process took longer than expected- yet another call to action for government reform.
Taking a look at the bigger picture
This isn’t just a trend: it’s a shift in consumer expectations and behaviour that the legal industry cannot afford to ignore, technology, transparency and trust will play a big part in the future of legal services. The decline in solicitor involvement doesn’t necessarily spell doom- but it is a challenge, and perhaps an invitation as more people take planning into their own hands, the need for responsible, accessible, and regulated support is something that needs to be addressed.
