Get Your Will Written Free of Charge in October
Did you know that October is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their wills written or updated free using participating solicitors across the UK.
The charities involved include the NSPCC, Dogs Trust, Samaritans, Mind, Age UK, The Stroke Association, PDSA, and many others. Free Wills Month happens twice a year, in March and October.
The scheme covers simple wills only, including ‘mirror wills’ for couples. In the latter case, only one member of the couple has to be 55 or over. If you need a complicated will (most people don’t) you can still have this done but may have to pay a top-up fee.
I have talked about the importance of creating a will and why you should get it done by a properly qualified solicitor previously on PAS. An up-to-date will written by a solicitor will ensure that your wishes are respected and will avoid causing legal complications for your loved ones after you are gone.
Free Wills Month means what it says. There are no catches, although the organizers hope that you will choose to leave a donation to charity in your will. There is no obligation to do this, however.
To take part in Free Wills Month click through to the website during October and fill in your details. You can then pick a solicitor from the list of companies taking part and contact them to book an appointment. Appointments are limited and on a first come, first served basis, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Free Wills Month October 2024 starts officially on Tuesday 1st October 2024 but you can sign up on the FWM website to be notified when when the campaign starts in your area.
If you have any comments or questions about this subject, as ever, please do post them below.
Note: This is a revised and updated version of my original post on this subject.
October 14, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
That’s such a nice idea to write wills for free, I had no idea. I’ll be sure to pass this on to older relatives.
October 14, 2017 @ 8:16 pm
No problem. It’s only available in October, so they will need to act now to take advantage of the opportunity. It is a nice idea, I agree.
September 26, 2018 @ 10:29 am
Thanks for reminding us of this Nick. I am going to copy your idea for a similar post as I like to do a charity post a month. It is worth asking your favourite charity if they are participating. Incidentally wills are not just for old people. I think everyone should have one especially if you have children.
September 26, 2018 @ 11:23 am
Thanks, Anne. Yes, absolutely. If you don’t leave a will, it will create a lot of unnecessary hassle and expense for your loved ones, at what will inevitably be a difficult and stressful time for them anyway. And from my own experience with a close relative, DIY wills are fraught with hazards as well. I would always recommend getting a will drawn up professionally by a solicitor who specializes in this.
September 29, 2018 @ 4:31 pm
A will is so important, yet often we don’t want to think about it or don’t think we need to. I actually wrote my own (maybe more for my own benefit and peace of mind, as I don’t exactly have much to pass on!) before my first surgery, and left it in a place known to my parents ever since, which made me feel a little more prepared over the last couple of ops recently. I’d like to get something more ‘official’ though so I’ll bookmark this. Thanks Nick!
Caz
September 29, 2018 @ 5:22 pm
Thanks, Caz. Yes, I couldn’t agree more about the importance of having a will. I do hope your health is improving now.
October 3, 2019 @ 9:39 am
I actually thought this was over 65s for some reason, oops. Great reminder given a refresh for 2019, Nick! x
October 3, 2019 @ 3:58 pm
Thanks, Caz. Indeed, anyone aged 55 or over can take advantage of this.