What is Free Wills Month?

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Free Wills Month is a charitable scheme that allows people to get a solicitor-drafted or updated will for free, typically during certain months (October and March in the UK). The idea is that charities sponsor the scheme, covering the cost of the solicitor drafting the will. In turn, the hope is that participants may consider leaving a gift (a “bequest”) to charity in their will — though that’s not obligatory. 

It’s one of a few special initiatives aimed at making will-writing more accessible — alongside, for example, Will Aid in November.

Who can take part?

• The scheme is generally open to people aged 55 and over for standard (single) wills. For couples wanting “mirror wills,” usually only one person needs to be 55+.

• The scheme is regionally organised — not all solicitors in the UK take part everywhere. In each edition, only certain local solicitors sign up.

• If your affairs are very simple (for example, you have a spouse or children and want to leave your estate to them), Free Wills Month works well. If your situation is more complex (overseas property, multiple relationships, trusts, etc.), you might need to pay extra or use a full solicitor outside the scheme.

How does Free Wills Month work?

Here’s a step-by-step outline:

1. Booking opens
   On the start date (e.g. 1 October at 9am for the October edition), you go to the Free Wills Month website and enter your postcode to find a participating solicitor near you.

2. Making your appointment
   You contact the solicitor and say you want to use the Free Wills Month scheme. You can often choose whether you want a face-to-face meeting, phone or video appointment.

3. Drafting or updating the will
   The solicitor will prepare or update your will under the scheme, with basic arrangements covered by the sponsorship.

   • You may be asked about leaving something to a charity in your will. That’s encouraged (because that helps cover the solicitor’s cost) but it’s not compulsory.

   • If your estate or wishes are complex (for example, multiple beneficiaries, overseas assets, trusts), the solicitor may charge extra to cover the additional work.

4. Signing and storing the will
   Once the will is ready, you sign it with witnesses (as in any will). Often, the solicitor will store the will for you at no extra cost. You should also keep a copy and tell your executors (the people who will carry out your will) where it is. Some schemes also offer to register your will with a national register (so the location is easier to find later) without extra charge.

Why does Free Wills Month exist?

• Many people never write a will (or let theirs become outdated), which can lead to legal confusion, family disputes, or unintended inheritance outcomes.

• Because will-writing by a solicitor can be expensive, the cost barrier can discourage people. Free Wills Month helps reduce that hurdle.

• Charities view it as an opportunity: people who use the scheme might leave a gift to charity in their will, supporting the charitable causes.

• It’s a public-good initiative: the more people who have properly written wills, the less risk of estates getting tangled in intestacy laws or legal misinterpretation.

Things to watch out for / limitations

• Regional availability: Not every solicitor participates everywhere, so you may find none near you in a given round.

• Limited capacity: Because demand is high, bookings usually fill up fast. You’ll need to act early once bookings open.

• Simplicity requirement: The free will usually covers “simple affairs.” If your situation is more complicated, there may be extra charges.

• You’re not forced to leave charity gifts — but many people do.

• Storage and access: Always make sure the will is stored safely and your executors know where it is. Ask what happens to your will if the solicitor’s firm closes or changes.

Why you should consider taking part

• It gives you peace of mind — a will ensures your wishes are clear and legally binding.

• It’s a rare chance to get a will drafted by a solicitor without paying the normal fees.

• Even if you don’t participate this time, knowing about Free Wills Month can help you plan ahead for when it runs again (e.g. the March edition).

• It’s a tangible way to support charities (if you choose to leave a gift) without needing to pay upfront.