Discover Free Wills Month 2025 Near Me: Essential Information and Local Events

Free Wills Month is an initiative that allows individuals to have their simple wills written or updated at no cost. This event happens twice a year, in March and October, and is aimed primarily at those aged 55 and over. If you're looking to secure your legacy without the financial burden, this is a perfect opportunity. Here’s everything you need to know about Free Wills Month 2025 and how to find events near you.

Key Takeaways

• Free Wills Month occurs in March and October each year.

• Appointments are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

• Participants must be aged 55 or over to qualify for a free will.

• Check the Free Wills Month website or local Age UK offices for participating solicitors.

• Consider leaving a gift in your will to support Age UK and its services.

Understanding Free Wills Month

Overview of Free Wills Month

Free Wills Month is a brilliant initiative that happens twice a year, offering people aged 55 and over the chance to have a simple will written or updated for free. It's a collaboration between charities and solicitors, aiming to encourage people to make wills and, potentially, consider leaving a charitable gift. It's a great way to ensure your wishes are respected after you're gone, without the upfront cost.

It's important to remember that Free Wills Month doesn't cover complex wills. If your situation is a bit more complicated, it's worth discussing this with the solicitor beforehand to understand any potential costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Free Wills Month, there are usually a few key criteria:

• Age: Typically, you need to be 55 or over. Sometimes, for couples, only one person needs to meet this age requirement.

• Location: The scheme operates in specific locations across England and Wales, so it's important to check if it's running in your area.

• Simplicity of Will: The offer usually covers simple wills. If your will requires complex arrangements, additional charges might apply.

Benefits of Participating

Taking part in Free Wills Month has several advantages:

• Cost Savings: The most obvious benefit is the saving on solicitor's fees for writing a simple will. Having a simple will written can give you peace of mind.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your affairs are in order and your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes is invaluable.

• Charitable Giving: It provides an opportunity to consider leaving a legacy to a charity close to your heart. You can make a legacy donation in your will to a cause you care about.

• Professional Advice: You receive guidance from a qualified solicitor, ensuring your will is legally sound and reflects your intentions.

Key Dates for Free Wills Month 2025

March and October Events

Free Wills Month happens twice a year, in March and October. Mark your calendars! It's a great chance to get your affairs in order without the usual solicitor fees. The next opportunity to participate will be in October 2025. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding participating solicitors and locations closer to the time. It's worth noting that Free Wills Month is a very popular initiative, so planning ahead is a smart move.

Booking Appointments

Getting an appointment with a solicitor during Free Wills Month requires a bit of planning. Here's what you should do:

• Check the Free Wills Month website for participating solicitors in your area.

• Contact the solicitor directly to book your appointment.

• Mention that you are booking as part of the Free Wills Month scheme.

Remember, slots fill up quickly, so don't delay in contacting a solicitor once the list of participants is released. Being proactive increases your chances of securing a convenient time.

First Come, First Served Basis

Appointments during Free Wills Month are allocated on a first come, first served basis. This means that the sooner you book, the better your chances of securing a slot with a participating solicitor. Given the popularity of the scheme, waiting until the last minute is not advisable. To avoid disappointment, make sure you are ready to book as soon as the list of participating solicitors is available. It's a bit like grabbing tickets for a popular concert – early birds get the worm!

Finding Local Solicitors for Free Wills Month

How to Locate Participating Solicitors

Finding a solicitor involved in Free Wills Month doesn't have to be a headache. The easiest way is usually through the official Free Wills Month website. They have a search tool where you can pop in your postcode and it will show you a list of participating solicitors in your area. It's worth checking back regularly, especially closer to March and October, as the list can get updated.

Using the Free Wills Month Website

The Free Wills Month website is your first port of call. It's designed to be pretty straightforward. Just enter your postcode, and it should give you a list of local solicitors taking part. Each listing usually includes contact details, so you can get in touch directly. Remember, these appointments tend to get booked up quickly, so it's a good idea to act fast once the list is available. You can check local solicitors to see who is participating.

Contacting Local Age UK Offices

Another avenue you could explore is contacting your local Age UK office. While they might not have a direct list of participating solicitors, they often have information about local services for older people, and they might be able to point you in the right direction. It's always worth a quick phone call or email to see if they can offer any assistance. They might also know of other similar schemes running in your area if Free Wills Month isn't available near you.

It's a good idea to have a few solicitors in mind, just in case your first choice is fully booked. Also, don't be afraid to ask them any questions you have about the process before you book an appointment. It's all about making sure you feel comfortable and informed.

Participating in Free Wills Month

Steps to Take Part

So, you're thinking about getting involved in Free Wills Month? Great! It's actually a pretty straightforward process. Here's what you need to do:

1. First, you'll want to check the Free Wills Month website or call their helpline to find a participating solicitor near you. They usually have a list of locations and contact details available.

2. Next, get in touch with the solicitor directly to book an appointment. Make sure you mention that you're calling about Free Wills Month when you book. This is important!

3. Before your appointment, think about what you want to include in your will. Who do you want to be your beneficiaries? Do you have any specific wishes regarding your assets? Jotting down some notes beforehand can really help.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Okay, so you've booked your appointment, now what? Well, the solicitor will usually start by asking you some questions about your family, your assets, and what you want to happen after you're gone. They'll explain the different parts of a will and help you make decisions about things like executors and beneficiaries. Don't be afraid to ask questions! It's important that you understand everything clearly. The solicitor will then draught your will based on your instructions. You'll usually have a chance to review it before signing.

Considerations for Your Will

Writing a will isn't just about deciding who gets what. There are a few other things you might want to think about:

• Guardianship: If you have young children, you'll need to name a guardian to care for them if something happens to you.

• Inheritance Tax: Depending on the size of your estate, inheritance tax might be something to consider. A solicitor can advise you on ways to minimise this.

• Specific Gifts: You can leave specific items to certain people, like jewellery or family heirlooms.

It's worth remembering that Free Wills Month usually covers simple wills. If your situation is more complex, the solicitor might charge you extra for the additional work. Always clarify this upfront so there are no surprises later on.

And that's pretty much it! Getting involved in Free Wills Month is a fantastic way to secure your will and make sure your wishes are respected. Don't put it off – it's one of those things you'll be glad you did.

Costs Associated with Free Wills Month

Understanding Free Will Writing

Free Wills Month is a fantastic scheme, but it's important to understand what it actually covers. The initiative provides a basic will-writing service at no cost. This usually covers straightforward situations, like leaving your estate to your immediate family. It's designed to be accessible, allowing many to get their affairs in order without upfront legal fees. However, 'simple' is the key word here. If your situation is more complex, things might change.

Potential Additional Charges

Now, let's talk about the potential for extra costs. While the basic will is free, complexities can arise. For example:

• If you have overseas assets.

• If you need to set up trusts.

• If your will involves detailed tax planning.

In these cases, the solicitor might charge extra to cover the additional work. It's also worth noting that if you want to make significant changes to your will after it's drafted, that could incur a fee too. It's always best to be upfront about your circumstances from the start.

It's a good idea to ask the solicitor for a clear breakdown of any potential charges before you proceed. This way, you won't get any nasty surprises down the line. Transparency is key, and a good solicitor will be happy to explain everything.

Clarifying with Your Solicitor

Before you get started, have a chat with the solicitor about your needs and ask them to explain their fees. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• What exactly is included in the free will service?

• What are the potential extra costs?

• How will I be informed of any additional charges?

Getting these answers upfront will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you can take advantage of Free Wills Month without any financial surprises.

Leaving a Legacy Through Your Will

Importance of Legacy Gifts

Leaving something in your will might seem like a distant thought, but it's a really powerful way to make a difference. It's about more than just possessions; it's about your values and what you want to support long after you're gone. A legacy gift can transform lives and help causes you care about thrive.

• Supporting future generations.

• Funding vital research.

• Ensuring the continuation of cherished organisations.

It's a chance to leave a lasting impact, reflecting what truly mattered to you during your lifetime. It's a way to say, "This is what I stood for, and I want it to continue.

How to Include a Gift in Your Will

Including a gift in your will is actually pretty straightforward. You'll need to speak to your solicitor, of course, but it helps to have a think about what you want to do beforehand. You can choose to leave a specific amount of money, a particular item, or even a percentage of your estate. It's all about what feels right for you. If you want to request your free will guide, there are resources available to help you through the process.

1. Decide what you want to give.

2. Choose your beneficiaries.

3. Inform your solicitor.

Impact of Your Contribution

Think about the ripple effect your gift could have. A donation to a local charity could help them expand their services, reaching more people in need. A gift to a research institution could fund a breakthrough that changes lives. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a real and lasting difference. Gifts in wills are vital, helping organisations run their services that millions of people rely on each year. With an ageing population, the demand for support is only going to increase. By choosing to leave a legacy donation in your will, you can be certain that your kindness will help some of the most vulnerable people find comfort, support and friendship in the darkest times.

Resources for Will Writing and Legacy Planning

Free Guides Available

Finding the right information to help you write your will or plan your legacy doesn't have to be a chore. There are actually quite a few free guides out there that can walk you through the whole process. These guides often cover everything from understanding the basics of will writing to explaining how to include a legacy donation in your will. They can be a really good starting point, especially if you're feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed by all the legal jargon.

• Free Wills Month guides: These guides provide a step-by-step approach to writing your will, highlighting key considerations. They aim to simplify the process of creating or updating your will.

• Legacy gift guides: These guides offer practical advice on including a gift to a charity like Age UK in your will, explaining the different ways to leave a gift and how it supports important research.

• Executor guides: These guides assist in administering the estate of a loved one, providing support during a difficult time.

Online Resources and Tools

Beyond guides, the internet is full of resources that can help you with will writing and legacy planning. Some websites let you start writing your will online, which can be a convenient option if you have a straightforward situation. Others provide tools to help you calculate your estate or estimate potential inheritance tax. Just be sure to use reputable sources and double-check any information you find online with a legal professional, especially when dealing with something as important as your will.

It's worth remembering that while online tools can be helpful, they're not a substitute for professional advice. Every situation is different, and a solicitor can provide tailored guidance to ensure your will accurately reflects your wishes.

Contact Information for Assistance

Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone. Luckily, there are plenty of places you can turn to for help with will writing and legacy planning. Age UK, for example, offers information and support to older people, including advice on wills and estates. You can also contact local solicitors who participate in Free Wills Month for free will writing services. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions – it's better to be informed than to make assumptions.

• Age UK: Provides information and support on wills and estates.

• Local Solicitors: Participating solicitors offer free will writing services during Free Wills Month.

• Free Wills Network: Offers a pack with details of local solicitors participating in the network.

If you're looking for help with writing a will or planning your legacy, we have plenty of resources to guide you. Visit our website for useful tips and tools that can make this process easier. Don't wait—start planning for your future today!

Final Thoughts on Free Wills Month 2025

So there you have it! Free Wills Month is a great chance for those over 55 to get a simple Will sorted without any cost. It’s happening in October 2025, so make sure you keep an eye out for local solicitors taking part. Remember, spots fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to book your appointment. If it’s not available in your area, you can still sign up for email reminders. Making a Will is important, and this initiative makes it easier for many. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your wishes and help others at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month is an event where people aged 55 and over can get a simple Will written or updated for free by participating solicitors.

When does Free Wills Month happen?

Free Wills Month takes place every year in March and October.

How can I find out if Free Wills Month is in my area?

You can check if Free Wills Month is available in your area by visiting the Free Wills Month website or calling their helpline.

What steps do I need to take to participate?

To take part, visit the Free Wills Month website, find a local solicitor, and book an appointment during the event.

Are there any costs involved?

The writing of simple Wills is free during this month. However, if your Will is complicated, you might have to pay extra.

How can leaving a gift in my Will help others?

Leaving a gift in your Will can support charities like Age UK, helping them provide services and support to older people in need.