Free Wills Month vs. Paid Will Services

Which Is Right for You?

If you’re thinking about writing your will, you’ve probably seen two main options pop up: Free Wills Month and paid will-writing services.

One’s free, the other isn’t. So the choice should be easy, right?

Not quite.

While Free Wills Month can be a great opportunity for some people, it’s not always the best fit, especially if your situation is anything more than straightforward.

Let’s walk through what each option actually offers, and how to figure out which one’s right for you.

What You Get with Free Wills Month

Free Wills Month runs twice a year, in March and October. If you’re 55 or older, you can have a simple will written for free by a participating solicitor. In return, you’re encouraged (but not required) to leave a gift to one of the supporting charities in your will.

The idea is that you sort out your affairs, and the charity benefits later on. Win-win.

Here’s what’s good about it:

• It’s free (as long as your needs are simple)
• You’re dealing with a qualified solicitor
• You’re supporting well-known charities

But it does come with limitations and not everyone finds it as easy or suitable as it first sounds.

What You Get with a Paid Will Service

Paid doesn’t mean posh or complicated. It just means you’re in control of how and when you get things sorted.

With a proper will-writing service (like ours), you can:

• Get help all year round, no waiting for March or October
• Speak to someone by phone, online, or in your home
• Write a will that covers real-life situations like property, stepchildren, or second marriages
• Ask questions and get guidance in plain English
• Update your will later, if life changes

You’re not limited to a free offer with time pressure. You get a service that fits your life and sticks with you.

Comparison: Free Wills Month vs Paid Will Services

Free Wills Month is only available twice a year, in March and October, and you’ll need to be 55 or older to qualify. A paid will service is available all year round, and there’s no age restriction. If you’re ready to get your will sorted now, you don’t have to wait.

In terms of cost, Free Wills Month is free if your needs are simple. But anything slightly more complex may fall outside the offer, and you could end up paying solicitor fees anyway. With a paid service, you get clear, fixed pricing up front, so you know exactly what it’ll cost and what’s included.

When it comes to appointments, Free Wills Month usually means a face-to-face meeting at a solicitor’s office. Paid services often give you more choice, whether that’s a call, video chat, or home visit.

Free Wills Month is designed for straightforward wills. If you own property, have stepchildren, or want to leave different things to different people, you’ll probably need more flexibility, and that’s where a paid service is a better fit.

There’s also the question of ongoing support. Free Wills Month is a one-off. Once your will is written, that’s the end of it. But a paid service will often help you make updates in the future, and be there when your circumstances change.

So, Free Wills Month works well for basic wills on a tight timeline. But if your situation is even slightly more involved, or you’d like more control and support, a paid will service offers a much better long-term solution.

When Free Wills Month Might Work for You

You’re probably a good fit for Free Wills Month if:

• You’re 55 or older
• Your estate is very simple (one or two beneficiaries, no property complications)
• You’re happy to wait for the campaign window
• You don’t mind a one-time appointment with a solicitor
• You’re open to leaving something to charity in your will

If all of that applies to you, great, go for it. Just act fast when the campaign opens, because slots fill up quickly.

When a Paid Service Makes More Sense

For a lot of people, a paid service is the better option. Here’s why:

1. You don’t want to wait

You can write your will any time, not just twice a year. That matters if you’re ready to get it done now.

2. Your situation isn’t simple

Own a house? Have children from a previous relationship? Want to include specific wishes or conditions? You’ll probably need more than what Free Wills Month covers.

3. You want a bit more support

You’re not just ticking a box. You want to talk things through, ask questions, and know you’ve got it right.

4. You might need to update your will later

Life changes. A good paid service won’t just disappear once the document’s signed.

Final Thoughts

Free Wills Month is a great option, for some people, some of the time. But if it doesn’t quite fit your situation, or you’ve missed the window, don’t panic.

What matters most is that you get your will written, and that it does exactly what you need it to.

And if you want help that’s friendly, flexible, and always available when you need it, that’s where we come in.

Need Help?

At My Local Will Writer, we help people make wills that actually reflect their lives. No jargon. No pressure. Just a clear plan that gives you peace of mind.

Ready to get started?
Drop us a message and we’ll talk it through, no rush, no hard sell.

FAQs

Is Free Wills Month just as good as a paid service?
It depends. If you only need a basic will and you can get a slot, it’s a solid option. But it doesn’t work for everyone.

Can a paid will writer help with more complex situations?
Yes. Property, blended families, business ownership, tax planning. A paid service can cover all of it.

Do I need to leave money to charity if I use Free Wills Month?
You’ll be encouraged to, but it’s not a requirement.

How long does it take to get a will through each option?
Free Wills Month depends on appointment availability. A paid service can often get it done within a few days.