Make the Most of Free Wills Month 2025: A UK Guide

Thinking about your will might seem a bit much, but it's actually a really sensible thing to do. Free Wills Month 2025 is coming up, and it's a great chance to get your affairs in order without the usual cost. Lots of people put this off, but having a will means your wishes are followed and your loved ones are looked after properly. We'll walk you through what it's all about and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• Free Wills Month 2025 offers a chance for those aged 55 and over to have a simple will drafted or updated by a solicitor at no cost.

• The scheme typically runs in March and October each year, with appointments being limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• While the service covers simple wills, more complex cases might incur additional charges from the solicitor.

• Making a will is important for ensuring your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries and to prevent potential disputes among family members.

• There's no obligation to leave a gift to the supporting charities, but considering a legacy can make a significant difference to their work.

Understanding Free Wills Month 2025

What Is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month is a campaign that happens twice a year, in March and October. It's a great opportunity for people aged 55 and over to get a simple will written or updated by a solicitor, completely free of charge. The main idea is to make writing a will more accessible for everyone. It’s a chance to sort out your affairs and make sure your wishes are clear for when you're no longer around. Lots of charities get involved, hoping that people might consider leaving a gift to their cause, but there's absolutely no pressure to do so.

Who Can Participate?

This initiative is specifically for individuals or couples who are aged 55 or older. If you're part of a couple making 'mirror' wills (where your wishes are similar), it's enough for just one of you to have reached the age of 55 to qualify. It’s a straightforward age requirement, so if you fit the bill, you can take advantage of this service.

When Does Free Wills Month Take Place?

Free Wills Month runs twice annually. The specific months are March and October. It's really important to remember that the appointments offered are limited and are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that even though the campaign runs for the whole month, all the slots can get booked up very quickly. If you're keen to take part, it's best to get in touch with a participating solicitor as soon as the campaign begins to secure your appointment. You can find out more about participating solicitors when the campaign dates are announced.

It's always a good idea to check if the campaign is running in your local area, as not all solicitors participate in every region. Early booking is definitely the way to go to avoid disappointment.

Navigating the Free Wills Month Process

So, you've decided to get your affairs in order with Free Wills Month. That's a smart move! But how do you actually go about it? It's not as complicated as you might think, but there are a few steps to keep in mind.

How To Take Part

Getting involved is pretty straightforward. The main thing is to act fast because appointments are limited and go quickly. Here's a general idea of the process:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the age requirement (usually 55 or over) and that the campaign is running in your area.

2. Find a Solicitor: You'll need to find a solicitor who is participating in the Free Wills Month scheme.

3. Book an Appointment: Contact the solicitor's office to book your appointment. It's best to do this as soon as the campaign starts.

4. Prepare Information: Before your appointment, gather details about your assets, debts, and who you want to benefit from your will.

5. Attend Your Appointment: Discuss your wishes with the solicitor. They'll guide you through the process of creating a simple will.

Remember, solicitors offer these services on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't delay if you want to secure a slot!

Finding Participating Solicitors

This is a key step. You can't just walk into any solicitor's office. You need to find one that's officially part of the Free Wills Month initiative. Often, charities that support the campaign will have lists of participating firms on their websites. Keep an eye out for announcements closer to March and October each year. You might also find local law societies have directories. It's worth checking the National Will Register too, as they sometimes list participating firms or have information relevant to will writing.

Booking Your Appointment

Once you've identified a solicitor, it's time to book. Don't be surprised if you need to call them directly. Be prepared to mention that you're looking to use the Free Wills Month service. They'll likely ask for your details and confirm your eligibility. Some solicitors might offer remote appointments or home visits, but this isn't guaranteed, so it's best to ask when you book. If they're fully booked, don't despair – try another firm on the list. The sooner you book, the better your chances.

The Cost and Scope of Free Wills

So, what exactly do you get for free during Free Wills Month? It's a common question, and it's good to be clear about it. The scheme is designed to cover the cost of a 'simple' will. This means that for straightforward situations, the service provided by participating solicitors is genuinely free of charge.

What Does Free Wills Month Cover?

Generally, a simple will includes:

• Beneficiaries: Clearly stating who you want to inherit your money, property, and possessions.

• Guardianship: Appointing guardians for any children under 18.

• Executors: Naming the people responsible for managing your estate and carrying out your wishes.

• Funeral Wishes: Sometimes, you can include basic funeral preferences.

It's a really good way to get the basics sorted without any upfront cost. Many people find that this covers all their needs, especially if their circumstances are uncomplicated. You can find out more about the Free Wills Service and what it entails.

Potential Additional Charges

Now, about those 'additional charges'. If your situation is a bit more complex, the solicitor might need to do more work. This could include things like setting up trusts, dealing with overseas assets, or managing complicated business interests. In these cases, the solicitor will usually tell you upfront if there will be extra costs involved. It's always best to have an open chat with them at the start about what you need and to ask them to confirm any potential fees. Remember, the free offer is for a simple will, so anything beyond that might incur a charge.

Understanding Simple vs. Complex Wills

What makes a will 'simple' or 'complex'? It really comes down to the details of your estate and your wishes.

• Simple Wills: These are for people with straightforward assets and clear wishes. For example, leaving everything to a spouse and then to children, with no trusts involved.

• Complex Wills: These might involve setting up trusts for beneficiaries (like for young children or vulnerable adults), owning property abroad, having significant business assets, or dealing with complex family situations (like second marriages with children from previous relationships).

If you're unsure whether your will would be considered simple or complex, the best approach is to discuss it openly with the solicitor. They can guide you on what's covered and what might lead to additional costs. It’s worth noting that solicitors are regulated, which offers a level of protection you might not get with online-only will-writing services.

Why Making a Will Is Crucial

It might seem like a chore, something you can put off, but sorting out your will is actually a really sensible thing to do. Think of it as a way to take control and make sure things happen exactly how you want them to after you're gone. Without one, the government’s rules decide what happens to your stuff, and that might not be what you had in mind at all.

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Followed

This is the big one, really. A will is the only way to get complete peace of mind that your estate will go to the people you want it to go to. If you’re not married to your partner, for instance, they won’t get anything automatically. Having a will means you can name them as a beneficiary, so they’re looked after. It’s also where you can specify things like who should look after your pets or any particular funeral arrangements you’d like. It’s best to tell your family about these separately too, just in case.

Protecting Your Loved Ones

Making a will helps protect your family and loved ones. It avoids any confusion or arguments about how money and possessions are divided. If you have children, you can name guardians for them in your will, which is a massive relief for any parent. It also means your partner or spouse is taken care of, and your wishes for them are clear. You can find out more about how a solicitor can help you create a will.

Avoiding Estate Disputes

Disputes over estates can be incredibly stressful and upsetting for those left behind. A clear, legally sound will minimises the chances of this happening. It lays out your intentions plainly, leaving little room for misinterpretation. Without a will, your estate will be shared out according to intestacy rules, which can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes and family disagreements. It’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of future heartache.

Sorting out your will is a responsible act that brings clarity and security to your loved ones during a difficult time. It’s about expressing your care through clear instructions.

Making the Most of Your Free Will

So, you've decided to make a will during Free Wills Month – brilliant! Now comes the part where you actually get it done. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, but a bit of preparation makes everything smoother.

Listing Your Assets and Debts

Before you even speak to a solicitor, it’s a good idea to have a rough list of what you own and what you owe. Think about bank accounts, savings, property, investments, and any valuable items. Also, jot down any debts like mortgages, loans, or credit card balances. This gives the solicitor a clearer picture of your estate. You don't need exact figures for everything at this stage, but a general idea helps. If you have assets abroad, it's worth mentioning that to the solicitor, as it can make things a bit more complex.

Choosing Your Executor

Your executor is the person or people you trust to sort out your estate according to your will. They'll handle everything from paying off debts to distributing your assets. It’s a big responsibility, so choose wisely! Pick someone you trust implicitly, like a close family member or a very good friend. It’s polite to ask them if they’re happy to take on the role before you officially name them in your will. Sometimes, people think they have to appoint the charity or the free will service as their executor, but that's not the case. You can choose anyone you like, and it won't cost extra.

Distributing Gifts and Assets

This is where you decide who gets what. You can leave specific items, sums of money, or a share of your overall estate to individuals or charities. If you're leaving everything to one or two people, it's usually straightforward. However, if you have a more complicated family situation, like children from different relationships, or you want to leave gifts to several people or charities, it’s best to discuss this with the solicitor. They can make sure your wishes are written down clearly and legally. Remember, you don't have to leave a gift to the charity offering the free will service; that's entirely your choice. However, if you do decide to leave a legacy, even a small one, it can make a real difference to their work.

Selecting Witnesses

Once your will is written and you're happy with it, you'll need to sign it. For it to be legally valid in England and Wales, two witnesses need to be present when you sign, and they must also sign it. These witnesses can't be anyone who is named in your will as a beneficiary, nor can they be married to a beneficiary or in a civil partnership with one. They also need to be over 18 and of sound mind. Your solicitor can often act as one of your witnesses, which is quite convenient. Just make sure your witnesses understand they are witnessing your signature, not the contents of the will itself.

Taking a little time to prepare these details beforehand will make your appointment with the solicitor much more efficient. It means you can focus on getting your wishes accurately recorded, rather than trying to remember everything on the spot.

Considering a Gift in Your Will

While Free Wills Month is a fantastic opportunity to get your affairs in order without charge, it also presents a moment to think about leaving a lasting impact. Many people choose to remember a charity in their will after they’ve looked after their loved ones. It’s a way to support a cause you care about, ensuring its work can continue long into the future.

The Impact Of Leaving A Legacy

Leaving a gift in your will, often called a 'legacy gift', can make a significant difference to charities. For organisations like Age UK, these gifts are vital for funding their services. Think about the support older people might need – from friendship calls to help accessing essential information. Your kindness could be a lifeline for someone facing difficult times. It’s a way to extend your care beyond your lifetime.

No Obligation To Donate

It’s really important to remember that there’s absolutely no pressure to include a charitable donation in your will when you use the Free Wills Month service. Your primary focus should be on your family and friends. Only after you’ve made sure they are provided for should you consider if you’d like to leave a gift to a charity. The service is there to help you, and the decision to leave a legacy is entirely yours.

How Your Gift Can Make A Difference

Charitable gifts in wills are incredibly important for charities. They help fund a wide range of services that many people rely on. For example, a gift could help provide companionship for lonely older people or support those who are struggling to access vital services. The ageing population means demand for support is only growing, so these contributions are more needed than ever. If you're thinking about leaving a legacy, you can find more information on how to do this by requesting a free guide from charities you support, like Age UK. The next Free Wills Month campaign begins on October 1, 2025, but you can still arrange to write your Will for free with a trusted solicitor before then. This offers an opportunity to secure your legacy and support a cause close to your heart.

Thinking about leaving a gift in your will is a thoughtful way to support causes you care about. It's simpler than you might think to make sure your wishes are followed. To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit our website today.

Don't Miss Out on Free Wills Month 2025

So, that's the lowdown on Free Wills Month. It's a really good chance, especially if you're over 55, to get a simple will sorted without the usual cost. Remember, these spots fill up fast, so if October 2025 is coming up and you're in a participating area, get in touch with a solicitor sooner rather than later. Having a will sorted gives you real peace of mind, knowing your wishes will be followed and your loved ones will be looked after. Even if you can't make it this time, keep an eye out for future events or consider other options if you need a will sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month is a special event that happens twice a year, usually in March and October. During this time, solicitors across the UK offer to write or update simple Wills for free for people aged 55 and over. It's a great chance to sort out your Will without the usual cost.

Who is eligible to use the Free Wills Month service?

Anyone aged 55 or older can take part. If you're in a couple and want to make 'mirror' Wills (similar Wills for each person), it's enough if one of you is 55 or over. The scheme is run by charities to help people get their affairs in order.

Does Free Wills Month cover all types of Wills?

The scheme covers the cost of writing a 'simple' Will. If your situation is more complicated, like having lots of different assets or beneficiaries, the solicitor might need to do extra work. In such cases, they might ask you to pay a small extra fee for the additional work. It's always best to chat with the solicitor about your needs upfront to avoid any surprises.

Why is it so important to have a Will?

Making a Will is super important! It means your money, property, and belongings go to the people and causes you choose. Without a Will, the law decides who gets what, and it might not be what you wanted. It also helps protect your loved ones and can stop arguments or confusion later on.

How do I find a solicitor and book an appointment?

You'll need to find a solicitor who is taking part in the scheme in your area. You can usually find a list of participating solicitors on the Free Wills Month website. It's a good idea to book your appointment as soon as possible because the spots are limited and fill up fast on a first-come, first-served basis.

Am I required to leave a donation to a charity if I use Free Wills Month?

No, there's absolutely no pressure to leave a gift to the charities involved. The main goal is to help people get a Will sorted. However, if you are happy to, leaving a gift in your Will to a charity can make a big difference to their work and help others in the future. It's entirely your choice.