Free Wills Month October 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Twice a year, thousands of people across the UK get their wills written or updated completely free of charge. If you’re 55 or over, Free Wills Month could be exactly what you need to finally get your affairs in order.

The next campaign starts in October 2025. Here’s your complete guide to how it works and whether you’re eligible.

How Does Free Wills Month Work?

Free Wills Month is funded by a group of major UK charities who pay local solicitors to provide free will-writing services to people aged 55 and over. The scheme runs twice yearly in March and October.

While the charities hope participants might consider leaving a charitable gift in their will, there’s absolutely no obligation to do so. You can take advantage of the free service regardless of whether you plan to include any charities as beneficiaries.

Who Can Take Part?

The eligibility requirements are straightforward:

You must be 55 or older. If you’re married or in a civil partnership, only one of you needs to meet the age requirement.

You need a simple will. The free service only covers basic wills without complicated legal arrangements.

You must live in the UK and book with a participating solicitor in your area.

What Counts as a Simple Will?

Most people’s situations qualify as simple wills. This typically means:

• Leaving everything to your spouse or partner, then to your children
• Splitting your estate equally between your children if you’re single
• Making a few specific gifts to individuals or charities
• Appointing guardians for children under 18
• Choosing executors to handle your estate

When You Might Need Something More Complex

The free service won’t cover situations that need specialist legal work, such as:

• Estates worth more than £325,000 where inheritance tax planning is needed
• Business assets or overseas property
• Setting up trusts to protect assets or provide for vulnerable beneficiaries
• Complex family situations involving step-children or previous marriages
• Asset protection planning for care home fees

If your circumstances are more complicated, the solicitor will explain your options and provide a quote for additional work.

When Does Free Wills Month Take Place?

Free Wills Month runs twice each year:

• March (typically starting 1st March)
• October (usually beginning 1st October)

The October 2025 campaign is expected to start on 1st October, though exact dates are confirmed closer to the time.

Appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly, so it’s worth preparing early and booking as soon as places become available.

What You’ll Need for Your Appointment

Come prepared with:

Identification: Valid photo ID like a passport or driving licence, plus proof of address such as a recent utility bill

Beneficiary details: Names and addresses of everyone you want to benefit from your will

Asset information: Details of your property, savings, investments, and valuable possessions

Digital assets: Don’t forget online accounts, cryptocurrency, or valuable digital collections

Executor choices: The people you want to handle your estate (usually family members or close friends)

Being well-prepared helps ensure your appointment runs smoothly and you don’t need follow-up visits.

Do You Have to Leave Money to Charity?

Not at all. While Free Wills Month is funded by charities who hope some participants will include charitable gifts, there’s no pressure or obligation to do so.

That said, even a small percentage gift to charity can make a meaningful difference. As a bonus, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, your inheritance tax rate drops from 40% to 36% on the remaining estate.

Why Make a Will at All?

Without a valid will, the law decides who inherits your estate according to strict rules that might not match your wishes. This can mean:

• Unmarried partners receiving nothing, even after decades together
• Children inheriting large sums at 18 when they might not be ready
• Assets going to distant relatives instead of close friends
• Lengthy legal processes and family disputes

A properly written will ensures your wishes are followed and can save your loved ones significant stress and expense.

What If You Need More Than a Simple Will?

If your situation requires more complex legal work, don’t be put off. The solicitor will explain what’s involved and provide a quote for the additional services needed.

While this means paying for legal advice, a well-drafted complex will often saves families far more money in the long run through proper tax planning and asset protection.

Missing Out on an Appointment?

If Free Wills Month appointments are full, you have other options:

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

Some charities offer year-round free will services to their regular supporters.

Professional will writers can help you get your will sorted any time of year.

Making the Most of Free Wills Month

Free Wills Month offers genuine value if you’re eligible and need a straightforward will. It’s professional legal advice without the usual cost, and there’s no catch beyond the limitation to simple wills.

Even if you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies as simple or complex, it’s worth booking an appointment. You’ll get expert advice about your options, and if you do need more comprehensive services, you’ll understand exactly what’s involved.

The key is acting quickly when appointments become available. Keep an eye on participating solicitors’ websites from late September, and book as soon as places are released.

Getting your will sorted properly is one of the most important things you can do for your family’s future peace of mind.

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