It’s Free Wills Month in March and October: a handy reminder to make or update your will – and a chance to do it for free. Below you’ll find our key resources on everything you need to know about making a will, from the best will writing services to what happens if you die without a will. We’ve also got local resources that list legal support near you, examples of the charities involved and information to help you find participating solicitors in your area.
Free Wills Month usually covers simple single or mirror wills – complex trusts or unusual arrangements may incur a charge. It is also very popular and appointments are limited, so book early to avoid missing out.
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is a UK-wide campaign run twice a year in March and October that brings together well-known UK charities and local solicitors to encourage people to make or update their wills.
The participating charities fund the cost of writing a simple will, so there’s no charge to the individual, although many people choose to leave a gift to one of the charities in their will as a thank you. The aim is twofold: to help people secure their wishes legally and to raise awareness of how legacies left in wills play a vital role in supporting charitable work across the UK.
The March 2026 campaign starts on Monday 2nd March. You must books and have your appointment within that month to benefit from the free will writing offer.
Who can take part?
UK adults aged 55 or over are eligible to use the Free Wills Month scheme, with participating solicitors.
Only one person in a couple needs to meet the age requirement to request “mirror wills” for spouses or partners.
A simple will under this scheme must follow standard legal formalities and be signed with two independent witnesses.
How it works
Visit the Free Wills Month website and enter your post code to find solicitors taking part in your area.
Contact a participating solicitor directly to book your free will appointment during the campaign month.
At your appointment, the solicitor will draft (or update) a simple will based on your wishes.
The charities involved
Free Wills Month is supported by charities that work together to make professional will writing more accessible. Charities involved include:
These charities cover the cost of simple wills written by participating solicitors. In return, people are invited (but not obliged) to consider leaving a gift to one or more of the charities in their will. These legacy gifts provide a vital source of funding, helping charities continue their services for older people, patients and communities across the country.
Why writing a will matters
Having a valid will:
- Ensures your property and assets are distributed according to your instructions after death.
- Reduces the risk of legal disputes and complications for your loved ones.
- Lets you name guardians for children and choose your executors.
- Helps protect unmarried partners or extended family members who aren’t protected under intestacy rules.
Local resources near you
Find local legal advice and dedicated lists of regional will-writing services (with contact details and typical costs).
What to prepare before making a will
Here’s a handy list of everything you need to have ready when you’re making a will:
- List of assets (bank accounts, property, pensions).
- Names and details of beneficiaries (full names, dates of birth, relationships).
- Details of executors (who will administer the estate).
- Guardianship wishes (for dependents) and funeral wishes.
- Any trusts or lifetime gifts you want to create.
- Copies of previous wills or documents (for example, power of attorney).
- ID and contact details for witnesses where required.
Letter of wishes
A letter of wishes is a personal, informal document that accompanies your will and helps guide your executors, trustees, or family about how you’d like your estate or personal belongings to be handled.
Unlike a will, it isn’t legally binding but it can provide valuable context and reassurance about your intentions – especially for more sensitive decisions such as the care of dependants, distribution of sentimental items, or reasons behind unequal gifts. Because it can be updated at any time without a solicitor, it’s a practical way to keep your wishes current without needing to rewrite your entire will.
An example might be that you would like to share your jewellery between two daughters, but you would like them to decide together who takes which pieces. A letter of wishes adds a human touch to your will and can help avoid misunderstandings between family members.
To find participating charities and solicitors in your area and for more information, go to the Free Wills Month website.
What to read next
Our guides explain the different kinds of wills, how to prepare, costs and what happens if you die without one:
- Writing a will
A step-by-step guide on what to include and how to make it legally valid. - 10 of the best online will writing services
A review of online providers for those who want affordable, simple wills. - Intestacy rules: what happens if you die without a will?
A guide to what will happen to your estate, who will inherit and who makes the decisions if you don’t make a will before you die. - How to apply for probate
A step by step guide to getting the court’s permission to carry out the wishes within someone’s will.
