Find National Free Wills Network Participating Solicitors Near You

Thinking about your Will? It’s one of those things that’s easy to put off, but actually quite important. You might have heard about the National Free Wills Network and wondered if it’s the right option for you. This scheme connects people with solicitors who can help you sort out your Will for free. It's a way to make sure your wishes are known and that your loved ones are looked after. Let's break down what it involves and how to find national free wills network participating solicitors near you.

Key Takeaways

• The National Free Wills Network works with charities to offer free Will writing to their supporters.

• Participating solicitors get new clients and can charge for extra services beyond a simple Will.

• You can find national free wills network participating solicitors by requesting a Will writing pack from a charity or using online resources.

• The Free Wills Month campaign is generally for those aged 55 and over, and appointments fill up fast.

• While simple Wills are covered, more complex situations might incur extra costs agreed upon with the solicitor.

Understanding the National Free Wills Network

What Is The Network?

The National Free Wills Network is essentially a collaboration between various charities and a group of solicitors across the UK. The main idea is to help supporters of these charities get their wills written for free. It's not just for the big, well-known charities either; smaller, local ones are involved too. The charities themselves fund this service, meaning supporters don't pay for a basic will. It's a way for charities to encourage their supporters to sort out their wills, and in return, many supporters choose to leave a gift to the charity in their will.

How The Network Operates

It's pretty straightforward, really. Charities promote the scheme to their supporters. If someone is interested, they get in touch with the Network, who then provide them with details of local participating solicitors. The solicitor then handles the will writing. The charities pay the solicitors for writing these basic wills. If your will needs to be more complicated than a simple one, or if you need extra advice, you might have to pay the solicitor for that extra work, but the initial simple will is covered. It's all done in line with regulations from legal bodies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Key Statistics Of The Network

The Network has been quite successful over the years. It's a significant way for charities to secure future funding through legacies.

Here's a snapshot of what the Network has achieved:

• 301 charities are currently part of the Network.

• Over 1,000 solicitors are involved, ready to help.

• More than 36,000 wills have been written through the scheme.

• This has generated an estimated £408 million in future income for the charities involved.

The success of the Network highlights how a simple offer of a free basic will can encourage people to plan ahead, benefiting both individuals and the charitable causes they care about.

Benefits Of Using Participating Solicitors

So, you're thinking about getting your will sorted through the National Free Wills Network. That's a smart move, not just for you, but also for the law firms involved. It's a bit of a win-win situation, really. For solicitors, it's not just about doing a good deed; there are some solid advantages to being part of this network.

Client Acquisition For Law Firms

One of the biggest draws for solicitors is the potential to gain new clients. The network acts as a referral service, bringing people through the door who might not have otherwise considered making a will or seeking legal advice. Think of it as a steady stream of potential clients who are already interested in a specific legal service. It's a fantastic way for firms to expand their client base, especially for those specialising in wills and probate.

• Access to a motivated client pool: People engaging with the network are actively looking to sort out their wills.

• Opportunity for broader services: While the network covers simple wills, clients often have more complex needs, like trusts or lasting powers of attorney, which can lead to further work.

• Increased local presence: Being a participating solicitor means your firm gets noticed by people in the community who are thinking about their future legal needs.

Financial Advantages For Solicitors

Now, let's talk money. While the name suggests 'free', the National Free Wills Network is actually a paid programme. The charities involved cover the cost of writing a simple will for their supporters. This means solicitors get paid for the initial service. But it doesn't stop there. If a client's situation is a bit more complicated than a standard simple will, or if they need additional legal advice beyond the scope of the free service, the solicitor can charge for that extra work. This can include things like setting up trusts, dealing with inheritance tax, or preparing other legal documents.

The financial model is designed to be sustainable for law firms, ensuring they are compensated for their time and expertise while still providing a valuable free service to the public and supporting charitable causes.

Increased Visibility Within The Community

Being part of the National Free Wills Network also boosts a solicitor's profile. The network's promotional efforts, often in partnership with charities, help raise awareness of the participating firms. This increased visibility can lead to more people in the local area becoming aware of the firm and the services it offers. It's a way to build a reputation and establish trust within the community, potentially leading to a wider range of legal work beyond just wills.

Here's a quick look at the scale:

Metric	Number
Participating Charities	301
Referred Charity Supporters	231,511
Total Legacies Generated	£408 Million

This shows the significant reach of the network, offering a great platform for solicitors to connect with a large number of potential clients and support nearly 300 charities in the process. It's a structured way to contribute to society while also benefiting the practice.

How To Find National Free Wills Network Solicitors

So, you've decided to get your will sorted, which is a really sensible move. The National Free Wills Network makes it easier by connecting you with solicitors who are part of the scheme. But how do you actually find one near you? It's not as complicated as it might sound, and there are a few straightforward ways to go about it.

Requesting A Will Writing Pack

One of the simplest methods is to request a will writing pack. Many of the charities involved in the Network offer these packs. When you get in touch with them, they'll send you the necessary information, which usually includes a list of participating solicitors in your local area. It's a good way to get started if you're not sure where else to look. You'll get details about the solicitors, and you can then contact them directly to arrange an appointment.

Utilising Online Resources

Of course, in this day and age, the internet is your friend. The National Free Wills Network itself has a presence online, and you can often find lists of participating solicitors on their website or through the websites of the charities they partner with. This is often the quickest way to get an overview of your options. You can usually search by postcode or region to find firms close to home. It's worth checking out the National Free Wills Network website for a comprehensive directory.

Contacting Charities Directly

If you're already a supporter of a particular charity that's part of the Network, contacting them directly is a great starting point. They are keen to help their supporters get their wills in order. They can provide you with details of local solicitors who are participating in the scheme. It's a personal touch that can make the process feel a bit more comfortable, knowing you're dealing with an organisation you already have a connection with.

Here's a quick rundown of how the process generally works:

1. Get in touch: Contact a participating charity or use their online resources.

2. Request information: Ask for a will writing pack or details of local solicitors.

3. Choose a solicitor: Select a solicitor from the provided list based on your location.

4. Book an appointment: Contact the solicitor's office to arrange a meeting.

Remember that appointments are often limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It's a good idea to act promptly once you decide to proceed, especially if you're looking to use the service during a specific campaign month.

Eligibility And Campaign Details

Who Can Participate In Free Wills Month?

This initiative is primarily for individuals and couples who are aged 55 and over. If you're part of a couple looking to create 'mirror' Wills, it's enough for just one of you to have reached the age of 55 to qualify. It's a straightforward age requirement, designed to help those at a stage in life where thinking about their legacy becomes more prominent. The National Free Wills Network aims to make this process accessible, so don't let the age be a barrier if you're in this bracket.

Understanding Campaign Closures

It's important to know that these campaigns operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Participating solicitors offer a limited number of appointments for free Wills. Once all these slots are filled, the campaign closes, which might even happen before the official end date. So, if you're keen to take advantage of this offer, it's best to get in touch with a participating solicitor as soon as the campaign opens. Don't delay!

Remote Appointment Availability

While most appointments are conducted face-to-face at the solicitor's office, some firms do offer flexibility. You might find that some solicitors are happy to conduct appointments remotely, perhaps via video call, or even arrange a home visit. It's always a good idea to check with your chosen firm directly to see what options they have available. This can be particularly helpful if you have mobility issues or live a distance away from the office.

The charities involved in the National Free Wills Network do not receive a copy of your Will. The only information shared is a confidential declaration form, which helps them understand how people heard about the campaign and whether a gift was left to a charity. Your personal wishes remain private between you and your solicitor.

The Will Writing Process With Network Solicitors

So, you've decided to get your will sorted through the National Free Wills Network. That's a smart move, really. It means you'll be working with a solicitor who's part of the network, and they're there to help you through it all. But what exactly does that involve? Let's break it down.

What Constitutes A Simple Will?

Most people who use the National Free Wills Network will need what's called a 'simple' will. Basically, this is a will that covers the basics. It's for when your affairs aren't too complicated. Think about it like this:

• Clear beneficiaries: You know exactly who you want to inherit your things.

• Executors appointed: You've named people to carry out your wishes.

• No complex trusts: You're not setting up intricate arrangements for your assets.

• Standard gifts: You're leaving specific items or sums of money to individuals or charities.

Essentially, if your situation is fairly straightforward – you're married or in a long-term partnership, have children, and own a home – a simple will is likely what you'll need. The solicitor will confirm this with you.

Handling More Complex Wills

Now, what if your situation isn't so straightforward? Maybe you own a business, have significant investments spread across different countries, or want to set up a trust for a vulnerable beneficiary. In these cases, your will might be considered 'complex'.

If your will is deemed more complex than the standard offering covered by the network, the solicitor will discuss this with you openly. They might need to charge a fee for the extra work involved, but they'll be upfront about any costs before proceeding. It's all about making sure your wishes are accurately and legally documented, no matter how intricate.

It's worth remembering that the network charities pay for the writing of simple wills. For anything beyond that, the solicitor will explain the additional charges. This could include things like detailed tax planning or setting up specific types of trusts.

Confidentiality Of Your Will

One of the most important things about a will is that it's private. The solicitors involved in the National Free Wills Network understand this completely. They are bound by strict professional rules to keep all your information confidential.

• Your details are safe: Everything you discuss and provide is kept private between you and your solicitor.

• No unnecessary sharing: Information about your will isn't shared with the charity or the network unless you specifically agree to it, for example, by filling out a declaration form about how you heard of the campaign or if you've left a gift.

• Secure storage: Your will is a legally important document, and solicitors have secure systems for storing it safely.

So, you can rest assured that your personal and financial details will be handled with the utmost discretion throughout the entire process.

Getting Involved As A Solicitor

How Law Firms Can Join The Network

So, you're a solicitor and you've heard about the National Free Wills Network and are wondering how your firm can get a piece of the action. It's actually pretty straightforward. The Network is always looking for more legal professionals to join their ranks, helping more people get their wills sorted while also bringing in new clients for participating firms. The core idea is that charities partner with the Network, and the Network then connects their supporters with local solicitors like you.

To get involved, you'll typically need to register your interest through the Network's official channels. They'll likely ask for some basic information about your firm, your location, and your willingness to take on these specific types of instructions. It's not a complicated process, and they're usually quite keen to onboard new firms, especially in areas where they might have fewer participating solicitors.

The Role Of Solicitors In The Campaign

As a solicitor working with the National Free Wills Network, your primary role is to provide a professional and efficient will-writing service to the charity's supporters. This usually involves drafting what's considered a 'simple' will. The definition of 'simple' is generally agreed upon between the Network and the participating solicitors, but it typically covers straightforward bequests and arrangements.

Here's a breakdown of what's generally expected:

• Client Intake: You'll receive referrals from the Network, often with a pack already provided to the client. Your job is to book them in for an appointment.

• Will Drafting: You'll meet with the client (either in person or sometimes remotely, depending on the firm's policy and the client's needs) to discuss their wishes and draft their will.

• Handling Complexity: If a client's situation is more complex than a simple will allows for – perhaps involving trusts or significant assets – you'll discuss this with them. They might then choose to pay for the additional work required, or you might agree on a fee structure for the extra services.

• Reporting: You'll likely need to submit a simple declaration form back to the Network, confirming the will has been completed. This form usually asks for basic details like how the client heard about the campaign and whether they've considered leaving a gift to the charity.

It's important to remember that the charities involved pay for the writing of these simple wills. This means your firm benefits from a steady stream of potential new clients, and you can charge for any additional legal services that go beyond the scope of a basic will. It's a way to support good causes while also growing your practice.

Want to make a difference as a solicitor? We're always looking for dedicated legal professionals to join our team and help people secure their future. If you're passionate about helping others and want to use your skills for good, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our website today to learn more about how you can get involved and start making a real impact.

So, What's the Takeaway?

Right then, we've gone through how the National Free Wills Network works and how you can find solicitors taking part. It's pretty straightforward really. You've got charities involved, solicitors offering their services, and people like us who need a Will. The network seems to make it easier for everyone to get sorted, and it's good to know there are options out there. If you've been putting off making a Will, or thinking about updating an old one, hopefully, this has given you a nudge to look into the participating solicitors in your area. It's just one of those sensible things to do, isn't it?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Free Wills Network?

The National Free Wills Network is a group of charities that work with solicitors to offer free Will writing services to their supporters. Charities pay for these simple Wills to be written, helping their supporters get their affairs in order while also potentially benefiting the charity through future gifts.

How does the free Will writing service work?

When a campaign is running, people aged 55 and over can contact a participating solicitor to arrange an appointment. The solicitor will help you create a Will that matches your wishes. You don't have to leave a gift to charity, but it's hoped many will consider it. Appointments are limited and go quickly!

Can I get a free Will if my situation is complicated?

The free service covers 'simple' Wills. A solicitor will decide if your Will is simple based on your needs. If your Will is more complex, like involving trusts or needing tax advice, the solicitor might ask you to pay extra for that part. Most people only need a simple Will, though.

Can I do this online or remotely?

While most appointments are face-to-face at the solicitor's office, some firms do offer appointments via video call or even home visits. It's best to ask your chosen solicitor directly about their options for remote appointments or home visits.

Who can use the Free Wills Month service?

This service is primarily for individuals or couples who are 55 years old or older. If you're a couple making 'mirror' Wills (similar Wills for each person), only one of you needs to be 55 or over for both of you to qualify.

Do I have to leave a gift to a charity in my Will?

Absolutely not! You are under no obligation whatsoever to leave any gift to a charity when using the free Will writing service. The decision is entirely yours, but many people find it a meaningful way to support a cause they care about.