Who is Free Wills Month for?
Free Wills Month is generally open to people aged 55 and over who want to make a free will, often with the hope that they may choose to leave a gift to a participating charity. But what if you are under 55 and need to update or make a will now?
Advantages of Free Wills Month
- Cost: The biggest advantage of Free Wills Month is that it is free. This can be a major benefit for people on a budget or those who have delayed making a will because of the cost.
- Convenience: Free Wills Month can also be a convenient way to make a will. You can book an appointment with a participating solicitor and often have your will written or updated in a single session. This may be especially helpful if you are busy or have mobility issues.
- Peace of mind: Having a will in place can give you peace of mind, knowing your wishes are more likely to be respected after your death. It can also help reduce the risk of disputes among loved ones over your estate.
Disadvantages of Free Wills Month
- Availability: Appointments during Free Wills Month can be limited and may book up quickly. It is important to arrange your appointment as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Complexity: Free Wills Month is usually intended for simple wills. If your estate is more complex, you may still need to pay a solicitor to prepare your will properly.
- Pressure to leave a gift to charity: Some people may feel encouraged to leave a gift to charity when using the service. It is important to remember that you are not required to do this and should only leave a charitable gift if it reflects your wishes.
When do you really need to write a will?
- If you have separated from a partner but do not intend to divorce for some time, or you are recently divorced and have children.
- If you are living with a long-term partner but are not married, especially if you own a home together.
- If your assets have recently increased significantly, for example through inheritance, property ownership, or business ownership.
- If you have recently bought a home.
- If you have remarried and have children from a previous relationship.
You could easily be in any of these situations and still be under 55, which means you may not be eligible for Free Wills Month. It is also worth remembering that charities involved in the scheme may hope for a donation or a gift in your will. In some cases, paying for a will now with an experienced solicitor may give you greater certainty and better value for your circumstances.
Is Free Wills Month really free?
Free Wills Month is usually free for straightforward wills. However, some solicitors may charge extra for more complex wills or for additional services, such as storing your will or providing ongoing estate planning advice. There may also be fees if you appoint the solicitor as your executor, as this is generally treated as a separate professional service.
Who would be better off paying a solicitor for a will?
You may be better off paying a solicitor for a will if you:
- Have a complex estate, such as a business, property abroad, or multiple significant assets.
- Need help with wider estate planning.
- Want to leave a gift to a charity that is not participating in Free Wills Month.
- Want to set up related services such as a Lasting Power of Attorney, which is not included in a will.
Free Wills Month can be a great opportunity to make a will at no cost or reduced cost. However, it is important to understand the limits of the scheme and to choose a solicitor who is experienced in drafting wills.
If you are under 55, have a more complex estate, want to consider setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, or simply want more flexibility over the charities and causes you support, you may prefer to find a solicitor or will writer through The Law Superstore.
There is a wide range of prices depending on the size and complexity of your estate. You do not necessarily need a local solicitor, so if you are open to using online services, you may also be able to access more competitive prices.
Free Wills Month is a valuable initiative, and having a will is almost always better than having none. But better still is having the right will for your circumstances, one that protects your family, reflects your wishes, and can be updated as your life changes.
Compare quotes for will writing today and see how simple and cost-effective it can be to put the right will in place.