Free Wills Month
When is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month takes place twice a year during the months of March and October. People over the age of 55 can get a simple will written or updated for free.
We do things differently at Macmillan.
We don’t think you should have to wait up to 6 months before the next Free Wills Month comes around to write your will. We want to make will writing as easy and accessible as possible, so we are available whenever you need us.
We made the decision back in 2019 to offer our Free Wills Service all year round and to offer it to everyone over the age of 18 living in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. This means you don't have to wait for Free Wills Month - or until you're 55 - to benefit from it.
How does Free Wills Month work?
When you register for the Free Wills Service, we invite you to choose from the will writing partners that are available where you live.
A representative of the will writing partner will then get in touch with you using the contact method you choose and will assist you in creating your will or amending an existing one.
A simple will sets out who you wish to leave money or property to and what happens if they die before you. It also includes who should look after any children under 18, and who you would like to sort out your estate and carry out your wishes (your executor).
If you require a will that is more complex your solicitor will advise you of any additional costs which may be applicable.
There are different will writing options to suit your needs depending on where you live. These include writing your will with one of our trusted partners:
- face to face during a home visit,
- through a telephone or video call,
- via a postal pack
- or you can have an online will.
Learn more about our Free Wills Service and find out more about our will writing solicitors and the options available in your area.
Who pays for the will?
The solicitors taking part in Free Wills Month do not waive their fee. The scheme is funded through a selection of charities to offer free simple wills to the public aged 55 and over. At Macmillan, we offer the Free Will Service all year round to anyone over 18. The registered charities will cover the cost of simple wills, which averages around £100.
Although you do not have to leave the charity a gift in your will, it is something that charities like Macmillan rely upon to help fund our vital services. Gifts in Wills make up over 40% of our fundraising income. After taking care of loved ones, leaving a percentage of your estate to Macmillan can make a huge difference to people living with cancer.
The Macmillan Free Will Service covers the cost of a simple will, but our will writing partners can provide more complex wills for an extra fee.
