Do you need to use a lawyer to write a Will in Hong Kong?
Planning your legacy should be a thoughtful, empowering process. In Hong Kong, creating a Will is an important step to ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. One question we often encounter is: “Do I need a lawyer to write my Will?” The answer is reassuring—there is no legal requirement to use a lawyer to draft your Will in Hong Kong. In fact, there are smarter, more cost-effective options designed to give you confidence and peace of mind.
Do you really need a lawyer for your will in Hong Kong?
While lawyers play an important role in many legal matters, writing a will does not legally require a lawyer in Hong Kong. The Wills Ordinance (Cap. 30) clearly outlines the requirements: you must be over 18, be of sound mind, have your Will in writing, and sign it before two independent witnesses. Beyond these legal basics, the process is open to anyone—and you are not obliged to involve a lawyer.
Why not a Lawyer?
Choosing a lawyer often means higher costs without added value for many families. In practice, most lawyers outsource the actual drafting of Wills to professional Will Writers—adding another layer of cost and sometimes complexity. This can result in impersonal service and unnecessary expense, especially for estates that are not particularly complex.
The benefits of choosing an estate planning specialist (like us)
When it comes to safeguarding your legacy, we believe that working with dedicated estate planners and Professional Will Writers offers the best balance of security, expertise, and personal care. Here’s why our clients trust us:
In-house Will Writers—tailored expertise
Our experienced, fully trained Will writers work directly with you, ensuring every detail truly reflects your intentions. Unlike many law firms that delegate Will Writing, we keep the process personal and accountable.
Lower costs—transparent and sensible fees
You deserve value without compromise. By working with us, you avoid the extra fees charged by lawyers while still benefiting from professional guidance. According to recent industry data, professional estate planners typically charge 30–50% less for similar or better quality services.
Indemnity insurance—security for your estate
To provide further reassurance, our service includes indemnity insurance. This protects your estate and gives your loved ones recourse in the rare event of an error—a layer of security not often available with DIY solutions or unregulated providers.
Personalized, empathetic service
We take the time to understand your personal and family situation. With real-world experience helping clients from diverse backgrounds—including business owners, professionals, and families with cross-border assets—we’re equipped to handle the complexities that matter to you.
Ongoing support and review
Life changes—and so should your Will. We offer complimentary reviews and ongoing support, ensuring your Will always keeps pace with your circumstances.
Comparing your options: estate planners vs. DIY wills, lawyers, and online services
| Service Type | Professional Guidance | Cost | Indemnity Insurance | Bespoke Solutions | Ongoing Support |
| DIY Wills | No | Low | No | No | No |
| Online Wills | Limited (for simple cases only) | Low–Medium | Sometimes (varies) | Limited | Usually No |
| Lawyers | Yes, but may outsource drafting | High | Sometimes | Yes (for legal advice) | By appointment |
| Estate Planners / Will Writers (Soteria Trusts) | Yes—direct, in-house | Medium–Low | Yes (included) | Yes | Yes |
DIY Wills: Cheapest, but highest risk of errors or invalid documents. No professional review or security.
Online Will Kits: Accessible for basic situations. Generally not suitable for cross-border or complex estates.
Lawyers: Recommended for particularly high-value, highly complex, or contentious situations, but at a significant cost—and, often, with Will drafting done by outsourced Will Writers.
Estate Planners/Professional Will Writers: The sweet spot for most professionals and families in Hong Kong. We offer security, personalised attention, and cost-effectiveness.
Why our approach makes the difference
Let’s consider Emma, a professional with assets in Hong Kong and abroad. She wanted her estate to reflect her values and provide for her children’s education. By working directly with our in-house Will Writers and estate planners, Emma was able to develop a plan that reflected her wishes, benefitted from indemnity insurance, and cost significantly less than a traditional legal route. Her story is one of many—where careful planning and expert guidance made all the difference.
Your next step: estate planning with confidence
You have worked hard to build your success. Making the right choices for your legacy means choosing the right support. With Soteria Trusts, you benefit from professional guidance, financial protection, and the care of a team dedicated to the security and wellbeing of you and your loved ones.
If you’re considering your first Will or want to review an existing plan, get in touch for a personalised consultation. We’re here to help at every stage, ensuring your legacy is preserved with clarity and compassion.
