Can I get a Free Will?
Back to NewsCan you get a will for free?
Free Wills Month
Every March and October it’s Free Wills Months. It does exactly what it says on the tin!
You can get a free solicitor drafted will, but to get one (if you want a single will) or your partner (if you want a mirror will) must be over the age of 55.
In order to get your free will with us you would need to contact us the month before as there are a limited number of free wills and it is on a first come first served basis.
The charities involved in free wills month pay for your will, so be prepared to be asked if you would consider making a bequest to a charity in your will (leaving the charity something when you die). It's hoped you will in return for using the scheme, but you're under no obligation.
The charities sponsoring this campaign are: Age UK, Arthritis Research UK, Blue Cross, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Guide Dogs, Marie Curie, Mencap, Mind, National Trust, NSPCC, Prostate Cancer UK, Redwings, RNLI, The Royal British Legion, The Salvation Army, SSAFA, Stroke Association and Tenovus Cancer Care.
The scheme only covers simple will. If your affairs are complex, you will be asked to pay a contribution to cover the extra time they spent writing your will.
Charity based schemes
Cancer Research UK offer over 55s a free simple will drawn up or updated via the Cancer Research UK Free Will Service, or you can call their Supporter Services on 0300 123 7733.
Once you've chosen the solicitor you want to use, call it to arrange an appointment making sure you mention you're using the Cancer Research UK Free Will Service.
Or, if you want to use the online service, choose one of the solicitors listed, fill in the information requested on their site and enter the relevant voucher code at the checkout. The solicitor will review your will and post a copy to you (or contact you if they have questions).
The Cancer Research UK Free Will Service is free to you, but do think about making a bequest to Cancer Research UK to support their work.
The Stroke Association
The Stroke Association offers a free simple will for over 60s or stroke survivors who are 18+. To get info, either email info@stroke.org.uk, complete the online form on The Stroke Association website or call 0300 330 0740.
You'll be sent a free will pack within five working days which will explain details of its free will scheme.
You will be asked to leave a gift for the Stroke Association in your will but the decision is yours.
Other Charities
If you have a particular charity in mind that you'd like to leave a gift to, check with it whether it runs a scheme of its own. There are a number of charities signed up to the National Free Wills Network that also offer free simple wills - usually for charity members and over-55s.
The charity will usually check that you have donated to them in the past, or are a member, to be eligible for the free will. Each charity's offering is slightly different so ensure you read up.
The following charities are signed up and will offer a free simple will prepared by a solicitor: Amnesty International, Alzheimers Research UK, British Academy, Children with Cancer, CIWF, Dignity in Dying, Guide Dogs, Independent Age, Liberty 80, Oxfam, Royal Voluntary Service, Shelter, Soil Association and Tenovus Cancer Care.
For help making your free will then please contact Charlotte on 01902 429 051.
