Get Your Will Written at No Cost (Ages 55+)

What is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month happens twice a year in March and October, giving people aged 55 and over the opportunity to get a simple will written or updated by a qualified solicitor without paying a penny.

The scheme is supported by major UK charities and organised by Capacity Marketing for Charities. While there’s no pressure to leave anything to charity, they do hope participants might consider including a charitable gift in their will. This is how they fund the campaign and keep it running year after year.

Free Wills Month typically starts on 1st October. Appointments are limited and go fast, so it’s worth getting organised early if you’re thinking about taking part.

Who Can Take Part?

You’re eligible if you’re:

• 55 or older
• Living in the UK
• Able to book with a participating solicitor in your area

If you’re part of a couple, only one of you needs to be 55 or over. And remember, you don’t have to leave money to charity to take advantage of the free service.

Is There Really No Catch?

It genuinely is free, but there is one important thing to know: the service only covers simple wills.

If your affairs are complicated (multiple properties, overseas assets, complex family situations, or trust arrangements), the solicitor might suggest upgrading to a more comprehensive service for a fee. They’ll be upfront about this during your appointment.

For most people though, a simple will does exactly what they need.

What’s Included in a Simple Will?

A straightforward will typically covers:

• Choosing executors (the people who’ll handle your affairs)
• Leaving specific items or money to family, friends, or charities
• Appointing guardians for young children
• Deciding what happens to the rest of your estate

What it won’t include:

• Inheritance tax planning (particularly important if your estate is worth over £325,000)
• Setting up trusts or business succession planning
• Dealing with complicated family situations

If you think you might need something more complex, it’s worth having a chat with a solicitor about your options.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To make the most of your appointment, have these ready:

• Photo ID
• Details of who you want as executors and guardians
• A rough idea of what you own and any debts
• Names and details of anyone you want to benefit from your will
• Information about digital assets like cryptocurrency, online accounts, or valuable digital collections

Being prepared will help everything go smoothly and reduce the chances of needing follow-up appointments.

Can You Do This Remotely?

Since the pandemic, many solicitors now offer phone or video appointments, though not all firms provide this option. Check when you’re booking whether remote appointments are available.

What If You Can’t Get an Appointment?

Don’t worry if you miss out. There are other options:

Will Aid runs in November, where solicitors provide will-writing services in exchange for a suggested charity donation.

Will Relief Scotland operates in September for Scottish residents.

Several charities including Age UK and the Stroke Association offer free will services to their supporters throughout the year.

You can also use professional will-writing services any time of year if you prefer not to wait.

How Does This Help Charities?

Charities fund the campaign by paying solicitors to provide the free service. In return, they hope some people will choose to include a charitable gift in their will, even if it’s just a small percentage of their estate.

It’s actually one of the most cost-effective ways for charities to secure long-term funding. As a bonus, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, your inheritance tax rate drops from 40% to 36%.

Is Free Wills Month Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re eligible and need a straightforward will. It’s a genuine opportunity to get professional legal advice without the usual cost.

Even if you have no intention of leaving money to charity, you can still take part. The main thing is getting your will sorted properly.

Appointments do fill up quickly though, so keep an eye on participating solicitors’ websites from late September and book as soon as you can.

Need More Help?

If you have questions about whether Free Wills Month is right for you, or if you’d prefer to explore other will-writing options, professional will writers can help guide you through the process without any pressure or legal jargon.

Click here to find out more about Free Wills Month >

Click here to apply today >