Did you know that October is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month aims to bring together a group of well-respected charities to offer individuals or couples aged 55 and over the opportunity to have a simple Will written or updated free of charge. The Will will be prepared by any participating solicitor in selected locations around England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
An up-to-date Will that has been written by a solicitor ensures that your wishes are respected upon your death. It also avoids any difficult decisions and legal complications for your loved ones.
Free Wills Month allows you to provide for family and friends, and leave a gift to your chosen charities too. A gift in your Will won’t cost you anything but it can make a real difference to your chosen charity for many years to come.
Promotion: Charities and organizations promote it to raise awareness among the public. These charities often have an interest in receiving bequests from individuals who make wills during this period.
Eligibility: To participate, individuals usually need to meet certain criteria, such as being of a minimum age or having assets above a certain value. These criteria may vary depending on the specific campaign and region.
Booking an Appointment: Those who qualify can book an appointment with a participating solicitor or law firm during the designated Free Wills Month period.
Will Preparation: During the appointment, the solicitor or legal professional will discuss the individual’s wishes and help draft a will or make necessary amendments to an existing will.
Charitable Donation: While the will preparation service itself is free, participants are often encouraged to consider making a donation to one or more of the sponsoring charities. This donation is voluntary and supports the work of these organizations.
Finalization: Once the will is prepared and reviewed, it is finalized and signed, legally binding according to the relevant laws of the region.
Free Wills Month is a way to incentivize individuals to take care of their estate planning needs while also benefiting charities. It can help ensure that people have up-to-date and legally sound wills, potentially avoiding complications and disputes after their passing.
It’s worth noting that the availability and details of Free Wills Month campaigns can vary by region and country, and they may not be offered year-round. Therefore, individuals interested in participating should check the specific terms and dates for their area when considering this option for estate planning.
If you’re interested in taking part in Free Wills Month, then all you need to do is head over to the Free Wills Month website and complete a form with a few details. You will then gain access to the details of the participating law firms in your local area.
Appointments are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Once all available appointments have been booked, the campaign will close.