Last Updated: July 17, 2026
According to Remember a Charity, 54% of adults in the UK don’t have a will, and 5.4 million people have no idea how to go about getting one. Why does this matter? A will is the only way to make sure your wishes are carried out after you die. Luckily, Free Wills Month runs twice a year – in March and October – giving eligible adults a straightforward route to getting one written at no cost.
This article explores Free Wills Month – what it is, how to participate, and why having an up-to-date will matters. It also answers common questions, busts a few myths, and includes a short checklist for situations where a free scheme may not be the right fit. Care Choices has been publishing independent social care information for over 25 years, working with local authorities across the UK to help people navigate later-life decisions.
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is a UK scheme that helps adults aged 55 and over get a simple will written for free by a qualified solicitor. It runs twice a year – in March and October. The campaign is organised by Capacity Marketing for Charities and is funded by participating charities. As the Free Wills Month official site puts it: “An up to date Will written by a solicitor ensures your wishes are respected. It also avoids difficult decisions and legal complications for your loved ones.”
The scheme covers simple wills only. If your situation is more complicated, the solicitor may advise that you pay for a more tailored service – something worth knowing before you book.
Eligibility criteria for Free Wills Month
- The scheme is open to individuals or couples aged 55 and over.
- It is available via participating solicitors across the UK.
- The free service covers writing or updating a simple will or joint will.
- Complex wills, or estates requiring specialist advice, may fall outside the scheme and incur a fee – the participating solicitor will advise you on this.
How to participate in Free Wills Month
If you want a free will written, you need to contact a participating solicitor during the campaign month to request an appointment. To do this:
- Visit the Free Wills Month official website.
- Enter your postcode to find participating solicitors nearby.
- Choose a solicitor and contact them directly to book an appointment.
The search function will go live when the next campaign begins on 1 October 2026. Before that date, there is an option to register your details on the site. Appointments are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis – the campaign may close before the end of the month once slots are filled, so it pays to act early.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document that sets out how you want your assets distributed after you die. According to GOV.UK, a valid will should name your beneficiaries, any guardians you wish to appoint for children under 18, your chosen executors, and what happens if a beneficiary dies before you do. It is the only way to make sure your money, property and possessions go to the people you want them to go to.
If you die without a will, the law – not you – decides who inherits. That is a situation most people would prefer to avoid.
Why do I need one?
Having a will means your estate is distributed the way you want, and it makes things considerably easier for the people you leave behind. It allows you to set out:
- 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 dependants – 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 carry out the terms of your will.
- Supporting a charity – leave a legacy by donating to a cause that matters to you.
A will can also help you reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax your estate pays. For example, according to GOV.UK, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the IHT rate on the remainder may be reduced from 40% to 36%.
Busting myths about wills
There are some common misconceptions around wills, and they often put people off making one. Here are a few of the most frequent ones debunked:
“My partner will automatically inherit everything.” This is one of the most persistent myths. If you die without a will, intestacy rules apply – and unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit anything under those rules. Only a valid will can protect them.
“I’m too young to need a will.” There is no minimum age for writing a will. If you have a pension, any dependants, or clear wishes about your funeral, it is worth putting something in writing. You never know what is around the corner, and getting it done brings real peace of mind.
“Only wealthy people need a will.” Wills are for everyone. Your will is not just about property or savings – it is also about personal items, funeral wishes, and who looks after your children or pets. Those decisions matter regardless of how much money you have.
“Making a will is expensive.” It does not have to be. Free Wills Month is one option, and many charities – including The British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support – offer free will-writing services to supporters. It can feel daunting to get started, but most people say they are very glad they did.
What happens if you die without a valid will?
If you die without a valid will, you are said to have died intestate. Under intestacy rules, your estate passes to your closest next of kin – usually a spouse or civil partner, and potentially your children if the estate is large enough. Crucially, if you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, they have no automatic right to inherit under the law.
The same applies to stepchildren, in-laws, and other relatives by marriage – none of them would receive anything if you died intestate. If you have no blood relatives at all, everything passes to the Crown. A will is the only way to make sure the right people are protected.
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 a gift in wills. Charities rely heavily on this kind of donation – it can represent a significant share of their annual income. As noted above, leaving 10% or more of your net estate to charity may also reduce your Inheritance Tax rate from 40% to 36%, which is worth discussing with a solicitor when you draft your will.
How do you go about making a will?
There are several ways to write or update your will. You can do this:
- Via a solicitor or chartered legal executive
- Using a free will-writing service – like Free Wills Month
- Through your bank
You can also write your own will, but it is easy to make mistakes or miss important details that cause problems later. Citizens Advice notes that using a solicitor helps avoid errors that could make a will invalid, and is particularly important in complicated situations. If you do write your own will, you will need it formally witnessed and signed to make it legally valid.
Once you have a will, it is sensible to review it every five years or so – and always after a major life change, such as:
- Getting married, divorced or separated.
- Having new children or grandchildren.
- A named beneficiary dying before you.
- Your named executor dying or no longer being able to take on the role.
When Free Wills Month may not be suitable
Free Wills Month is a genuinely useful scheme, but it covers simple wills only. GOV.UK and Citizens Advice both recommend taking professional legal advice if your situation involves any of the following:
- Property or assets overseas
- Business ownership or shareholdings
- Blended families or children from previous relationships
- Dependants with long-term care needs
- Trusts or complex financial arrangements
- Inheritance tax planning
In these cases, it is worth seeking a solicitor or a practitioner holding the TEP designation from STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), which is a global professional body for inheritance and succession specialists. The extra cost is likely to be worthwhile.
Thinking about writing or updating your will? Take advantage of Free Wills Month in 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free Wills Month really free?
Yes, participating solicitors will write or update a simple will for free. However, if your estate involves trusts or foreign property, the solicitor may charge for the extra work. The service is not means-tested and there is no obligation to pay or donate.
What counts as a “simple” will?
A simple will covers straightforward estates with basic distribution instructions. If you have business assets, overseas property, or advanced tax planning needs, it usually falls outside the free offer. You can learn more about the scheme’s scope on the official campaign website.
Do I have to leave money to charity during Free Wills Month?
No, leaving a charitable gift is entirely optional. The campaign exists to raise awareness for legacy donations, but you are not forced to donate to a charity to get your free simple will drafted.
How do I book a Free Wills Month appointment?
You can find participating solicitors by entering your postcode on the official website during March or October. You then contact the firm directly to book, but remember that appointments are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and often run out fast.
Can I write a will myself instead of using a solicitor?
Yes, but Citizens Advice warns that it is easy to make mistakes that could invalidate the entire document. Using a professional – whether paying privately or through a free scheme – is generally much safer to ensure your wishes are legally binding.
