How Free Wills Month Works

(And Why It Might Not Be Right for You)

If you’re over 55 and thinking about writing a will, you’ve probably come across Free Wills Month. It sounds ideal. A properly drafted will. No cost. A solicitor involved. Job done.

But is it the right option for everyone? Not always.

Let’s break down what Free Wills Month is, how it works, and why it might not be the best fit, especially if you want something personal, flexible, or built to last.

What Is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month is a campaign that runs twice a year, in March and October. It brings together well-known charities and local solicitors to offer free will-writing appointments for people aged 55 and over.

You meet with a participating solicitor, have a simple will written, and you’re done. You’ll be encouraged to leave a gift to one of the charities in your will , but you don’t have to.

It’s a good initiative. For some people, it works well. But it’s not for everyone.

Who Can Use It?

You qualify if:

• You’re 55 or older
• You can find a participating solicitor near you
• You only need a basic will

If you’re a couple and only one of you is 55, that’s fine, you’re still eligible. But if you need anything more complex than a standard will, you’ll likely have to pay extra.

How Do You Take Part?

It’s fairly straightforward:

1. Go to the Free Wills Month website
2. Enter your postcode
3. See if there’s a solicitor near you taking part
4. Contact them and book your appointment
5. Attend your meeting, and get your will drafted

That’s it.

But before you jump in, here’s what’s often not said about the scheme, and why some people regret waiting for it.

5 Reasons Free Wills Month Might Not Be Right for You

1. Appointments Are Limited

This isn’t a year-round offer. It runs just twice a year, and appointments fill up fast. Some people call on the first day of the campaign and still don’t get in.

It’s not available in every town either. So depending on where you live, you might not even find a solicitor taking part.

If you miss your slot, that’s another six months gone.

2. It Only Covers Simple Wills

If you own property, have children from a previous relationship, or want to set up any specific conditions, Free Wills Month probably won’t cover it.

It’s designed for straightforward wills. One or two beneficiaries. No complications.

Anything more, and you’ll likely be told it’s outside the scope. That means you either:

• Pay extra through the solicitor (with no clear quote up front)
• Or… leave without a will at all

3. You Only Get One Shot

Most people can only use Free Wills Month once. It’s a one-time benefit.

But life changes.

You move house. You get remarried. Grandchildren arrive.
Suddenly, the will you wrote five years ago no longer fits and you’re back at square one, without easy support.

4. It’s Still a Formal Solicitor Process

You’re still booking an appointment, travelling to an office, and working to someone else’s schedule.

Some people are fine with that. Others find it a bit stiff or inconvenient, especially if they’d rather get things sorted over the phone, online, or from home.

And if you’ve got questions later? Chances are, that solicitor won’t be there to help unless you’re paying again.

5. There’s No Ongoing Support

Free Wills Month is a great one-off offer, but it’s just that. One-off.

There’s no relationship. No one checking in. No one to help you review or update your will if things change later.

It’s “write and go”. And for something as important as your will, that doesn’t suit everyone.

When a Paid Service Makes More Sense

Using a professional will-writing service like My Local Will Writer isn’t just about paying for convenience. It’s about getting:

• Help when you actually need it. Not twice a year
• A clear, fixed price for your will. No vague “extra fees”
• Support with more than just the basics, especially if your family setup isn’t simple
• Friendly, plain-English guidance. No jargon, no pressure
• Flexibility. Speak to someone by phone, online, or in your own home
• The ability to update your will whenever things change

It’s not a transaction. It’s a proper service.

And if something ever happens, your family knows exactly who to call.

The Most Important Thing Is Doing It

Free Wills Month can be a useful option, but only if you meet the criteria, get a slot, and don’t need anything beyond the basics.

If you’ve been putting off writing your will because you’re waiting for March or October to roll around, don’t. You can get it done now, in a way that suits you, without the stress or the wait.

We can help.

Need Help With Your Will?

At My Local Will Writer, we help people across the UK write clear, legally binding wills in simple language, at a fair price, with no fuss.

Whether you need a simple will or something more detailed, we’ll talk you through your options and help you get it sorted.

Ready to get started?
Get in touch today and let’s take care of it, properly.

FAQs

Is Free Wills Month really free?
Yes, if your situation is simple. More complex cases often involve extra fees.

Do I have to leave money to a charity?
No. You’ll be encouraged to, but it’s not a requirement.

Can I use it more than once?
Usually not. It’s intended as a one-time opportunity.

What if I want ongoing help or regular reviews?
That’s where a dedicated will-writing service like ours can really help. We’re here whenever you need us.