Farewill.com Reviews

Based on checking the website, Farewill.com presents itself as a streamlined, compassionate solution for navigating the often-complex world of death administration in the UK.

They aim to simplify essential services like writing wills, applying for probate, and arranging funerals, positioning themselves as a modern alternative to traditional, often daunting processes.

This review will dissect their offerings, pricing, customer experience, and overall value proposition, helping you determine if Farewill is the right fit for your end-of-life planning needs.

We’ll dive into the specifics of what they offer, how they stack up against the competition, and what real users are saying, so you can make an informed decision without the usual fluff.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

The Core Services: What Farewill Offers

Farewill isn’t just a one-trick pony.

They tackle three major areas of end-of-life planning.

Understanding each service individually is key to appreciating their integrated approach.

Think of it like a toolkit for a sensitive, but necessary, job.

Online Will Writing

This is often the entry point for many users, and it’s where Farewill truly shines in terms of accessibility.

• Process: Farewill promises a will can be written in as little as 15 minutes. This is achieved through an intuitive online questionnaire that guides you through every step. You answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, executors, and any specific wishes.
• Key Features:
  • Legally Binding: Once completed, the will is legally valid after printing and signing with two witnesses. Farewill provides clear instructions on this.
  • Free Updates: Unlike traditional solicitors who might charge for every amendment, Farewill allows unlimited free updates to your will, which is a significant long-term benefit. This flexibility is a huge win for anyone whose circumstances change over time e.g., new family members, acquiring new assets.
  • Charitable Giving: The platform actively encourages leaving gifts to charities, having facilitated over £1.03 billion pledged to charity by their users, which speaks to their impact beyond just individual estates.
• Suitability: This service is ideal for individuals with straightforward estates. If your affairs are highly complex, involving international assets, business partnerships, or intricate trust arrangements, a traditional solicitor might still be the better route for personalized, in-depth legal advice. However, for the vast majority, Farewill’s online will service is more than sufficient.

Probate Application

Dealing with probate can feel like navigating a bureaucratic labyrinth.

Farewill aims to simplify this by offering a fixed-fee service.

• What is Probate? It’s the legal process of proving a will is valid and appointing the executor to manage the deceased’s estate. If there’s no will, it’s called Letters of Administration.
• Farewill’s Approach: They offer a fixed-fee probate service starting from £595. This is a significant departure from many traditional solicitors who charge a percentage of the estate’s value, which can quickly escalate into thousands of pounds.
• Inclusions: Their service typically includes:
  • Dealing with all the necessary paperwork.
  • Communication with HMRC for inheritance tax if applicable.
  • Obtaining the Grant of Probate.
  • Support from their specialist team.
• Exclusions: It’s important to note that the fixed fee usually covers the application for probate, not the full estate administration e.g., selling property, distributing assets. While they guide you through the process, the actual distribution often remains the executor’s responsibility.
• Transparency: The fixed-fee model offers excellent transparency, allowing families to budget more effectively during an already stressful time.

Funeral Arrangements Direct Cremation & Pre-Paid Plans

Farewill offers a modern take on funeral services, focusing primarily on direct cremation and pre-paid plans.

• Direct Cremation: This is a low-cost, no-frills option where the deceased is cremated without a service or attendees. The ashes are then returned to the family. This option has seen a surge in popularity, especially since 2020, as it offers a dignified yet economical alternative. Farewill’s pricing for direct cremation is often highly competitive.
• Pre-Paid Funeral Plans: These allow individuals to pay for their funeral in advance, fixing the cost at today’s prices and alleviating the financial burden on family members later on.
  • Inflation Protection: A key benefit is protecting against rising funeral costs, which have historically outpaced inflation. According to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2023, the average cost of a basic funeral in the UK was £4,149, a significant expenditure for many families.
  • Peace of Mind: Setting up a plan provides peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones.
• Focus on Simplicity: Farewill’s funeral services are geared towards simplicity and affordability, making them appealing to those who prefer a less elaborate or more cost-effective farewell.

Pricing and Value for Money

One of Farewill’s strongest selling points is its transparent and often more affordable pricing structure compared to traditional providers.

Will Writing Costs

• Online Will: Typically ranges from £90 to £100 for a single will.
• Couple’s Will: Often available at a slight discount, around £140 to £150.
• Value: This is significantly cheaper than a solicitor, who might charge anywhere from £200 to £500+ for a basic will, and crucially, they usually charge for amendments. Farewill’s free updates add immense long-term value.

Probate Costs

• Fixed Fee: As mentioned, probate services start from £595. This is a stark contrast to traditional solicitors who often charge between 1% to 5% of the estate’s value. For an estate worth £300,000, a solicitor charging 3% would cost £9,000, making Farewill’s fixed fee exceptionally competitive.
• What Affects the Price: The fixed fee usually applies to straightforward estates. More complex situations e.g., dealing with multiple properties, foreign assets, or contested wills may incur additional charges, but Farewill aims to be transparent about these upfront.

Funeral Service Costs

• Direct Cremation: Pricing is highly competitive, often ranging from £950 to £1,200, which is substantially lower than the average cost of a traditional funeral.
• Market Comparison: Farewill’s pricing for direct cremation is often among the lowest in the market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.

Customer Experience and Support

A digital-first approach to sensitive topics requires robust customer support. Grabone.co.nz Reviews

Farewill’s reputation often hinges on how well they deliver in this area.

Online Interface and User-Friendliness

• Intuitive Design: The website is designed to be clean, modern, and easy to navigate. The will-writing interface, in particular, is highly guided, making a complex task feel manageable for non-legal professionals.
• Accessibility: The step-by-step format with clear explanations helps users understand the implications of their choices without needing legal jargon.
• Mobile Responsiveness: The platform generally performs well across various devices, allowing users to complete tasks from their computer, tablet, or phone.

Communication and Support Channels

• Phone Support: Farewill provides a dedicated phone line 0203 695 2090 available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. This human touch is crucial for answering specific questions or providing reassurance.
• Email Support: For less urgent inquiries, email is also an option, with response times generally being efficient.
• Guides and Resources: Their website features an extensive library of free guides covering topics like “How to arrange a funeral,” “How to make a will,” and “How to apply for probate.” These resources empower users with information and help them feel more in control.

Trustpilot and Customer Reviews

• “Excellent” Rating: Farewill boasts an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot, based on a significant number of reviews often tens of thousands. As of mid-2024, they typically maintain a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
• Common Praises:
  • Ease of Use: Many reviews highlight the simplicity and straightforwardness of the online process.
  • Helpful Staff: Customers frequently commend the professional, friendly, and empathetic nature of Farewill’s support team.
  • Speed: The efficiency with which services like will writing and probate applications are handled is often cited.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The transparent and competitive pricing is a recurring positive theme.
• Criticisms Less Frequent:
  • While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms occasionally surface, often related to specific complexities that might push the boundaries of their standard service or minor technical glitches. However, these are rare and typically addressed by their support team.

The Modern Approach to End-of-Life Planning

Farewill represents a significant shift in how people approach death administration, moving away from traditional, often opaque, and expensive methods.

Digitization and Accessibility

• Removing Barriers: By making services available online, Farewill removes geographical barriers and the need for in-person appointments, which can be challenging for many. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility, busy schedules, or living in remote areas.
• Empowerment: The digital platform empowers individuals to take control of their end-of-life planning at their own pace and from the comfort of their home. This sense of agency can significantly reduce anxiety.

Transparency and Control

• Clear Pricing: The fixed-fee model for probate and transparent pricing for wills and funerals stands in stark contrast to traditional providers who may use hourly rates or percentage-based fees that are difficult to predict.
• User-Driven Process: For will writing, the user directly inputs their information, ensuring their wishes are accurately captured, rather than relying solely on interpretation by a third party.

Comparison to Traditional Services

• Speed vs. Personalization: While solicitors offer highly personalized advice for complex situations, they often come with higher costs and longer timelines. Farewill prioritizes speed and efficiency for common needs.
• Cost Savings: The potential for significant cost savings, particularly in probate, is a major draw. For a basic will, Farewill might cost 50-70% less than a high street solicitor.
• Convenience: The ability to complete tasks outside of business hours and without travel is a huge convenience factor that traditional services often lack.

Security and Legal Validity

When dealing with such important documents, concerns about security and legal validity are paramount.

Data Security

• Encryption: Reputable online services like Farewill use robust encryption protocols to protect user data. This is standard practice for any platform handling sensitive personal and financial information.
• Privacy Policies: They should have clear privacy policies outlining how data is collected, stored, and used, in compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR.
• Secure Servers: User data is stored on secure servers, often with multiple layers of security and backup systems.

Legal Compliance

• UK Law Compliant: Farewill’s will writing service is designed to be fully compliant with the laws of England and Wales. Note: Laws vary across jurisdictions, so it’s crucial for users to confirm suitability if they are not based in England or Wales.
• Expert Team: The company emphasizes that its services are backed by a team of legal specialists and experts, ensuring the accuracy and validity of the documents generated. Their awards from institutions like the British Wills & Probate Awards further reinforce this.
• Witnessing Requirements: While Farewill helps you draft the will, the final step of making it legally binding—printing and signing with two independent witnesses—rests with the user. They provide clear instructions on this, and adhering to these rules is critical.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While Farewill offers many advantages, it’s essential to understand where its limitations might lie.

Complexity of Estates

• Highly Complex Wills: If your estate involves intricate trust structures, significant foreign assets, business ownership with complex succession plans, or beneficiaries with special needs requiring bespoke arrangements, an online will might not be sufficient. A specialist solicitor can provide tailored advice and draft clauses specific to these unique situations.
• Contested Probate: If there are disputes among beneficiaries or questions about the validity of a will, Farewill’s fixed-fee probate service might not cover the extensive legal work required for a contested case. In such scenarios, a litigation solicitor would be necessary.

Absence of Face-to-Face Interaction

• Personal Touch: Some individuals prefer the traditional face-to-face interaction with a solicitor, especially when discussing sensitive or personal matters. This can offer a level of reassurance and the ability to ask nuanced questions in real-time. Farewill mitigates this with strong phone support, but it’s not the same as an in-person meeting.
• Identifying Vulnerability: A solicitor might be better equipped to identify potential undue influence or capacity issues in a client, given their direct interaction. While Farewill’s online questionnaire attempts to flag some issues, it can’t fully replicate the insights gained from an in-person meeting.

Geographical Scope

• UK Focus: Farewill’s services are primarily tailored for the UK legal framework, specifically England and Wales. If you have assets or reside outside this jurisdiction, you would need to consult a legal professional familiar with those specific laws.

Impact and Future Outlook

Farewill has carved out a significant niche in the death administration market, disrupting traditional models and making essential services more accessible.

Market Disruption

• Shifting Norms: They, alongside other online providers, are changing public perception of how wills, probate, and funerals can be managed, moving away from the perception of these services as exclusively complex and expensive.
• Increased Access: By lowering costs and simplifying processes, they are making these services available to a broader demographic who might otherwise delay or forgo essential planning due to cost or perceived difficulty.

Growth and Recognition

• Award-Winning: Their recognition at the Good Funeral Awards and British Wills & Probate Awards indicates industry acceptance and validates their expertise.
• Significant Charity Pledges: The over £1.03 billion pledged to charity through their wills platform highlights their substantial impact on philanthropic giving, demonstrating their influence beyond just individual estates.

Future Potential

• Expansion of Services: As technology evolves and user needs change, it’s plausible that Farewill could expand its offerings further, potentially integrating more aspects of estate planning or post-bereavement support.
• Continued Innovation: Their commitment to user-friendly design and transparent pricing suggests they will continue to innovate in a sector traditionally slow to adopt new technologies.

Overall, Farewill.com stands out as a strong contender for those seeking efficient, affordable, and user-friendly solutions for will writing, probate, and direct cremation services in the UK.

While not a replacement for specialist legal advice in highly complex scenarios, for the vast majority of individuals, it offers a compelling and highly rated alternative to traditional methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Farewill.com a legitimate company?

Yes, Farewill.com is a legitimate and well-established company in the UK, providing online will writing, probate, and funeral services.

They have received multiple industry awards and maintain an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot, based on tens of thousands of customer reviews.

How much does it cost to make a will with Farewill?

A single online will with Farewill typically costs around £90-£100. They also offer a couple’s will option, which is slightly more expensive but provides a discount compared to buying two individual wills. Bondel.co Reviews

Are Farewill wills legally binding?

Yes, wills created through Farewill’s online platform are legally binding in England and Wales, provided they are printed, signed by the testator the person making the will, and witnessed by two independent adults in accordance with legal requirements.

Farewill provides clear instructions on how to properly validate your will.

How long does it take to write a will on Farewill?

Farewill claims you can write your will in as little as 15 minutes using their online platform.

The process is guided by a series of straightforward questions, making it quick and efficient for most users with relatively simple estates.

Can I update my Farewill will for free?

Yes, one of the key benefits of using Farewill is that you get unlimited free updates to your will.

This means you can amend your wishes as your circumstances change without incurring additional costs, which is a significant advantage over traditional solicitors who often charge for every amendment.

What is Farewill’s probate service?

Farewill’s probate service helps executors apply for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration if there’s no will. They offer a fixed-fee service starting from £595, which covers the paperwork and communication with relevant bodies like HMRC to obtain the legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate.

How much does Farewill charge for probate?

Farewill’s fixed-fee probate service starts from £595. This is significantly cheaper than many traditional solicitors who charge a percentage of the estate’s value, which can amount to thousands of pounds for larger estates.

Does Farewill offer direct cremation?

Yes, Farewill offers direct cremation services.

This is a simple, no-fuss option where the deceased is cremated without a service or attendees, and the ashes are returned to the family afterward. Macorner.co Reviews

It’s often a more affordable alternative to a traditional funeral.

How does Farewill’s direct cremation compare to others?

Farewill’s direct cremation pricing is highly competitive within the UK market, often ranging from £950 to £1,200. They aim to provide a transparent and compassionate service at a lower cost than many other providers.

Can I pre-pay for a funeral with Farewill?

Yes, Farewill offers pre-paid funeral plans.

These plans allow you to pay for your funeral in advance, locking in the cost at today’s prices and providing peace of mind for yourself and your family by alleviating future financial burdens.

Is Farewill regulated?

Farewill is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA as they are not a law firm.

However, their services are provided by a team of specialists, and their wills are designed to be legally compliant with UK law.

They are often recognized by industry bodies like the British Wills & Probate Awards.

Is Farewill good for complex wills?

Farewill is generally best suited for straightforward wills.

For highly complex estates involving international assets, business interests, complex trusts, or specific needs of beneficiaries e.g., disability trusts, it is advisable to consult a traditional solicitor for bespoke legal advice.

What do customer reviews say about Farewill?

Customer reviews for Farewill are overwhelmingly positive, with an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot typically 4.8 out of 5 stars. Common praises include ease of use, helpful and empathetic customer service, transparent pricing, and efficiency of their services. Smm-center.com Reviews

How does Farewill handle customer support?

Farewill provides customer support primarily through phone and email.

Their specialist team is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm via phone 0203 695 2090 to assist with any questions or issues.

Are my details safe with Farewill?

Yes, Farewill uses robust security measures, including encryption, to protect your personal and sensitive data.

They adhere to data protection regulations like GDPR, and their privacy policy outlines how your information is collected, stored, and used.

Does Farewill help with Inheritance Tax?

Farewill’s probate service includes dealing with HMRC for inheritance tax purposes if applicable as part of obtaining the Grant of Probate.

They will help ensure the necessary forms are completed accurately.

What happens after I write my will on Farewill?

After you write your will online with Farewill, you will receive clear instructions on how to print, sign, and have your will witnessed correctly.

This final step is crucial for making your will legally valid. They also provide options for storing your will.

Can Farewill help if there is no will?

Yes, if someone dies without a will intestate, Farewill can still assist with the probate process by applying for Letters of Administration, which grants the legal authority to manage the deceased’s estate according to intestacy rules.

Does Farewill offer face-to-face consultations?

No, Farewill operates primarily as an online service and does not typically offer face-to-face consultations. Ramadaresortlara.com Reviews

Their model focuses on providing efficient and accessible services through their digital platform and phone support.

What awards has Farewill won?

Farewill has received recognition in the industry, including being placed first at the Good Funeral Awards and the British Wills & Probate Awards.

These awards highlight their expertise and quality of service in their respective fields.