Money Matters: Take advantage of Free Wills Month

In this week’s Money Matters column, Wrekin’s debt and energy manager Dan Bebbington discusses the importance of making a will and some of the schemes you can take advantage of to have one drawn up for free.

October marks Free Wills Month, an important campaign that offers a unique opportunity for people to create or update their will for free.

The initiative highlights how critical it is to have a valid will in place, ensuring that your wishes are respected after your death.

It can also ease stress and provide peace of mind for your loved ones, preventing potential disputes or confusion during an already difficult time.

Many people delay writing a will because they believe it’s only necessary later in life or assume their assets will automatically pass to their next of kin. However, without a valid will, you can’t be certain what will happen.

As well as setting out what you want to happen to your money and belongings, your will can give instructions for your funeral arrangements and your wishes for the care of any dependent children, so it is well worth getting one drawn up if you haven’t already.

If you already have a will, you may want to consider whether it is due an update. You should do this if there has been a change in your personal circumstances or family set-up, for example if you get married, have a child or get divorced, if a beneficiary dies, or your wishes simply change.

Free Wills Month happens every March and October, and gives anyone aged 55 or over the chance to have a will prepared by a solicitor free of charge. If you’re in a couple, only one of you needs to be 55 or over.

The campaign is run in partnership with dozens of charities, and participants are encouraged to leave a gift in their will to their chosen cause. There is however no obligation to do this.

Each time the campaign runs, different parts of the country are included. This month Shropshire and Wolverhampton are among the areas covered, so don’t delay in booking your appointment if you want to take advantage of the free offer. Go to freewillsmonth.org.uk to find participating local solicitors.

If you’re under 55, or you are unable to get an appointment during Free Wills Month, don’t worry as there is a separate scheme running in November.

This is Will Aid Month, and it’s open to anyone over 18. There is a suggested donation of £100, or £180 for a couple, which is split between seven national charities.

Aside from these schemes, many charities, including Cancer Research UK and the Stroke Association, run year-round will writing schemes. There are over 150 charities that offer some form of free wills service, but they all have different requirements and eligibility criteria. Check the Free Wills Network for more information.

16th October 2024