Last Updated: May 1, 2026
According to Remember a Charity, 54% of adults in the UK don’t have a Will, and a total of 5.4 million people have no idea how to even go about getting one. Why is this important? The long and short of it is, that the only way you can ensure that your wishes are carried out after you die, is by having an up-to-date will. Luckily, the first of two annual Free Wills months is about to begin.
This article explores Free Wills Month – what it is and how you can participate, as well as answering frequently asked questions, busting common myths about wills, and detailing why you need one. So if you are interested in finding out how to write a will for free, read on!
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month UK is a scheme which helps adults aged 55+ to get a will written for free. The event happens twice a year, first in the month of March and second in October.
Free Wills Month is organised and operated by Capacity Marketing for Charities, and is funded by charities that take part in the scheme.
Eligibility criteria
- The scheme is available to adults aged over 55.
- It is available via participating solicitors across the UK.
- The free will writing service is based on writing – or updating, a simple will or joint will.
- In the case of complex wills, or if your estate is valued over £325,000, then you’ll normally need to pay for the service yourself.
How to participate
If you are interested in getting a free will written, you need to contact one of the firms of solicitors taking part in a Free Wills Month, during the designated month to request an appointment. To do this:
- Visit the freewills.org.uk website.
- Enter your postcode to find participating solicitors
- Choose a solicitor and contact them to book an appointment
The search function will go live when the campaign begins on 3rd March 2025. Before that date, there is an option to register your details.
It is important to note that appointments are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Once all available appointments are booked the campaign will close, which may be before the end of the campaigning month.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document which sets out how you want your assets to be distributed after you die.
A will is the only way to make sure your money, property and possessions (your estate) go to the people you want them to. If you die without a will, the law decides who gets what.
Why do I need one?
As mentioned above, having a will ensures your wishes are carried out after your death. It means your estate will be distributed as you wish; it will also make things easier for loved ones and executors to sort out.
Making a will ensures all your wishes are carried out when you die. Including:
- Distributing personal belongings – Specify who should receive sentimental items like jewellery, furniture, or artwork.
- Funeral preferences – Detail your wishes for the service, including any religious elements, music choices, burial or cremation preferences, and your chosen resting place.
- Care for dependents – Ensure arrangements are in place for children or pets, including who will look after them and where they will live.
- Appointing executors – Choose trusted individuals or an organisation to manage and execute the terms of your will.
- Supporting a charity – Leave a legacy by donating to a cause that matters to you.
If you make a will you can also make sure you do not pay more Inheritance Tax than you need to.
Busting myths about wills
There are some misconceptions around wills and these often contribute to people not making one. Here are some of the more common ones debunked:
“My partner will automatically inherit everything.” One of the most common misconceptions is that things will go to your relatives by default when you die. However, if you die without a will, you’re said to have died intestate and your estate may not go to the people you want. Find out more about this in the dedicated section below.
“I’m too young to need a will.” There is no minimum age to write a will. No matter how old you are, if you have a pension, any dependents or you would like to specify the sort of funeral service you would like when you die, then you should make a will to ensure your wishes are clear. While it may not be the most cheery of subjects to consider, you never know what is around the corner and it is always best to be prepared.
“Only wealthy people need a will.” Wills are crucial for everyone, regardless of wealth. Your will doesn’t just have to list property or money, it’s also about your wishes when it comes to personal items and funeral arrangements.
“Making a will is expensive.” Making a will doesn’t have to be expensive. There are schemes like Free Wills Month that can help, as well as many charities, including Royal Star & Garter, The British Heart Foundation, and Macmillan Cancer Support, who offer their supporters the opportunity to make their will for free.
It can be daunting to get your will organised, and as a result, lots of people do put it off, however there is huge peace of mind once it’s done.
What happens if you die without a valid will?
If you die without a valid will then it is said that you die intestate. Should this happen, all of your property – known as your estate – passes to your closest next of kin. Usually this is your spouse – so your wife, husband, or civil partner – and if your estate is large enough, some of it may pass to any children you and your spouse or civil partner have together or have adopted.
If you live with your partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, if you have children from another relationship, or stepchildren, or other relatives by marriage (i.e., in-laws) it’s important to remember that they would not receive any of your estate if you were to die intestate. If you have no blood relatives at all, everything will go to the Crown.
Leaving a gift in your will
When you write your will, you can leave a gift of money or property to a charity . This is known as legacy giving, a charitable legacy, or gifts in wills.
Charities rely on donations and this type of donation can be quite a significant source of funding for charities. In leaving a gift in your will, not only will you be supporting a cause close to your heart after your death, but you could also lower the value of your estate to reduce an Inheritance Tax bill.
How do you go about making a will?
There are different ways to write or update your will. You can do this:
- Via a solicitor or chartered legal executive
- Using free will-writing services – like Free Wills Month
- Through your bank
You can also write your will yourself but it’s easy to make mistakes or miss out important details which can cause problems down the line. If you do opt to write your own, you will need to get it formally witnessed and signed to make it legally valid. If your will is complex, it is best to use a professional.
Once you have a will, it is a good idea to review it every five years or so. And you should always review your will when there is a major change in your life such as:
- If you get married, divorced or separated.
- If you have new children or grandchildren.
- If anyone who is named in your will dies before you.
- If the person you’ve named as executor in your will dies or is no longer able or willing to take on that role.
Thinking about writing or updating your will? Take advantage of Free Wills Month this March or October—find a participating solicitor today!
If you are considering later life planning, you may find our database of Useful Contacts a handy resource. Here you can find details of Solicitors and Financial Advisors, as well as contacts who can help with things like funeral planning.
