If you are aged 55 or over in the UK, Free Wills Month offers a simple way to create or update your will at no cost, and personal finance expert Martin Lewis has encouraged people to take advantage of the scheme.
During this campaign, participating charities cover the legal fees so you can have a basic will written by a solicitor. This allows you to organise your estate and protect your loved ones without paying the usual legal costs.
Martin Lewis highlights the opportunity as a practical way to ensure your wishes are respected while also giving people the option to support charities through a future gift.
Key points to know:
- Free Wills Month runs in March and October across the UK
- It is available to people aged 55 or over
- A qualified solicitor writes the will
- Charities fund the service but leaving a donation is optional
- Appointments must be booked early due to limited availability
Understanding how the scheme works can help you secure a will while protecting your family’s financial future.
What Is Free Wills Month and Why Is Martin Lewis Talking About It?
Free Wills Month is a nationwide campaign that allows people aged 55 and over in the UK to write or update a basic will free of charge with a solicitor. The initiative began in 2005 and has grown into one of the most recognised will writing schemes in the country.
During the campaign, charities partner with local solicitors and pay the legal fees so participants can receive professional will writing services. The goal is to encourage people to put their affairs in order while raising awareness about the importance of estate planning.
Personal finance expert Martin Lewis has repeatedly highlighted the scheme on his platforms and television appearances. Through his MoneySavingExpert guidance, he reminds people that many families delay writing a will even though it is one of the most important legal documents they can have.
The initiative benefits both individuals and charities. People gain access to professional legal help without paying the usual solicitor fees, while charities hope participants may consider leaving a gift in their will. However, leaving a donation is entirely optional and not required to use the service.
Because appointments are limited and demand often increases after national media coverage, Martin Lewis encourages eligible people to book early when the scheme opens.
Why Is Writing a Will So Important in the UK?
Writing a will is one of the most important financial decisions you can make to protect your family and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Despite this, many adults in the UK either do not have a will or have one that is outdated.
A will is a legally binding document that explains how your property, savings and possessions should be handled after your death. It also allows you to appoint executors who manage your estate and ensure your instructions are followed.
Without a will, the law decides who receives your assets through strict intestacy rules. This may result in outcomes that do not reflect your personal wishes or family circumstances.
Important reasons to write or update a will include:
- Protecting your partner if you are not married or in a civil partnership
- Providing financial support for children or dependents
- Choosing who inherits your money, property and possessions
- Appointing guardians for children under 18
- Reducing the risk of family disputes over inheritance
- Planning your estate in a way that may reduce inheritance tax liabilities
Major life events also make it important to review your will. Changes such as marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring property can affect how your estate should be distributed.
Writing a will ensures your loved ones have clarity and legal protection during an already difficult time.
Who Can Get a Free Will During Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is designed to help older adults in the UK create or update a legally valid will with the assistance of a solicitor. While the scheme is widely accessible, there are several eligibility requirements you must meet.
The campaign focuses on people who may not yet have a will or who need to update an existing one. By offering free legal services, it removes one of the most common barriers that prevent people from writing a will.
To qualify for Free Wills Month, the following conditions usually apply:
- You must be aged 55 or over
- Couples can write mirror wills if one partner meets the age requirement
- You must book an appointment with a participating solicitor
- The will must be a basic or straightforward will
Mirror wills are commonly used by couples who want to leave their estate to each other and then pass assets to their children or chosen beneficiaries.
The scheme operates across many locations in the UK including major cities and surrounding areas. Participating solicitors can be found in regions such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle and Bristol.
Appointments are typically offered throughout March and October depending on the campaign schedule. Because only selected solicitors take part, availability can vary by location.
Important things to remember before applying:
- Spaces are limited and often fill quickly
- Early booking increases your chances of securing an appointment
- The scheme focuses on simple wills rather than complex estates
- Some appointments may be available remotely depending on the solicitor
If you meet the eligibility criteria and book in time, Free Wills Month can provide a straightforward way to organise your estate with professional legal guidance.
How Can You Get a Free Will During Free Wills Month?
If you want to benefit from Free Wills Month, the process is straightforward. The scheme is designed to help eligible individuals organise their estate with the support of a qualified solicitor.
However, because appointments are limited and demand can increase after media coverage, it is important to understand the steps involved and act early.
Step 1 – Check If You Qualify
The first step is confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria for Free Wills Month. The scheme is primarily intended for people aged 55 and over who want to create or update a basic will.
Before booking an appointment, consider whether your situation fits the typical requirements. Free wills provided through the campaign are designed for straightforward estates rather than complex financial arrangements.
You may qualify if:
- You are 55 years old or above
- You want to create a basic will
- Your estate structure is relatively simple
- You are able to attend or participate in a solicitor appointment
Couples can also benefit from the scheme through mirror wills if one partner meets the age requirement. These wills usually contain similar instructions and leave assets to each other first.
Step 2 – Find a Participating Solicitor
Once you confirm your eligibility, the next step is locating a solicitor participating in the Free Wills Month programme. The scheme works by connecting charities with local law firms that agree to provide will writing services during the campaign.
You can search for participating solicitors by location using the official campaign website. This allows you to find firms offering appointments in your area.
Important factors to consider when choosing a solicitor include:
- Distance from your home
- Appointment availability
- Whether remote consultations are offered
- Experience with estate planning
Solicitors involved in the campaign are regulated professionals, which provides added reassurance that your will is drafted correctly and legally valid.
Step 3 – Book an Appointment Before the Deadline
Free Wills Month appointments must usually be booked before a set deadline, typically by the end of March or October depending on the campaign period.
Because the service is popular, appointments often fill quickly. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing a convenient time with a solicitor in your area.
When booking your appointment, you may be asked to provide:
- Your contact details
- Your age confirmation
- Preferred appointment dates
- Whether you are creating a single or mirror will
Some solicitors offer face to face meetings, while others may conduct consultations by phone or video call.
Step 4 – Prepare Information for Your Will
Before attending your appointment, it helps to gather key information about your estate and personal wishes. This preparation ensures the solicitor can draft your will efficiently and accurately.
Important information you may need includes:
- Names and details of your beneficiaries
- The people you want to appoint as executors
- Information about property, savings and investments
- Instructions regarding personal possessions
- Any specific funeral wishes
Executors play a crucial role because they manage your estate after your death. It is important to choose someone you trust who is willing to take on the responsibility.
Preparing these details in advance will make the appointment smoother and help ensure that you will be clearly reflected.
Which Charities Support Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is funded by a wide network of well known charities that cover the cost of solicitor services for eligible participants. By paying for the legal fees, these organisations encourage more people to write a will while raising awareness about legacy giving.
Many charities rely heavily on gifts left in wills to fund their work. These future donations help support research, healthcare services, humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
Some of the major charities involved in the campaign include:
- Age UK
- Alzheimer’s Research UK
- Breast Cancer Now
- British Heart Foundation
- British Red Cross
- Dogs Trust
- Guide Dogs
- Help for Heroes
- Marie Curie
- Mencap
- Mind
- NSPCC
- PDSA
- RNID
- Stroke Association
- The Royal British Legion
- The Salvation Army
- The Woodland Trust
- WWF
When you take part in Free Wills Month, the solicitor’s fee is paid by the charity sponsors. In return, they hope participants may consider leaving a gift in their will.
However, it is important to understand that:
- Leaving a gift to charity is completely optional
- You can still use the free service without donating
- The decision remains entirely personal
Legacy gifts left in wills help charities fund long term projects and essential services that benefit communities across the UK.
What Does Martin Lewis Say About Free Wills Month?
Martin Lewis has frequently encouraged people to take advantage of Free Wills Month as a practical opportunity to organise their finances and protect their loved ones.
Through his MoneySavingExpert platform and television appearances, he highlights the importance of having a legally valid will.
His advice focuses on raising awareness about the risks of delaying estate planning. Many people postpone writing a will because they believe it is expensive or complicated, but the campaign removes the cost barrier by offering solicitor drafted wills for free.
Key points from Martin Lewis guidance include:
- Free Wills Month allows eligible people to write or update a will at no cost
- The scheme is funded by charities that cover solicitor fees
- Participants should consider leaving a gift if they are able to
- Donations are encouraged but not required
He also emphasises the value of using a solicitor rather than relying on unregulated will writing services or DIY templates. Solicitors provide legal protections and professional oversight that can reduce the risk of mistakes.
Martin Lewis also advises people to think carefully about important details when creating a will, including:
- Choosing trustworthy executors
- Informing family members where the will is stored
- Reviewing the document after major life changes
By highlighting Free Wills Month each year, he aims to encourage more people across the UK to take action and ensure their estates are properly planned.
Are Free Wills Suitable for Everyone?
While Free Wills Month is an excellent opportunity for many people, it may not be suitable for every situation. The scheme is designed mainly for straightforward estates where a basic will can cover the essential instructions.
If your financial circumstances are relatively simple, the service can provide a convenient and cost effective way to organise your affairs with professional guidance.
Free wills are usually suitable for people who:
- Have one property or limited assets
- Want to leave their estate to family members
- Need a basic will drafted by a solicitor
- Do not have complex financial arrangements
However, some individuals may require more detailed legal advice beyond the scope of the scheme.
You may need specialised support if you have:
- Property located outside the UK
- A complex estate structure
- A blended family with stepchildren
- Business ownership or large investments
In these situations, a solicitor may recommend additional legal planning to ensure your wishes are properly documented. Even if Free Wills Month is not the right option for your circumstances, it still highlights the importance of estate planning and encourages people to review their financial arrangements regularly.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will in the UK?
If you die without a will in the UK, your estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. These rules determine how your property, money and possessions are shared among relatives.
The biggest problem with dying without a will is that you lose control over who inherits your estate. The law follows a strict order of inheritance that may not match your personal wishes.
free wills month martin lewis:
- Unmarried partners may receive nothing from the estate
- Family members could face legal disputes over assets
- The courts may decide guardianship for children under 18
- Property distribution may not reflect your intentions
For example, if you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, they may not automatically inherit your home or savings under intestacy rules.
The process can also cause delays for families dealing with grief. Without clear instructions, executors or administrators must follow legal procedures to determine how the estate should be handled.
Creating a will allows you to avoid these issues and ensures your loved ones understand your wishes clearly.
Other Ways to Get a Free or Cheap Will in the UK
Free Wills Month is not the only option available if you want to create a will without paying full solicitor fees. Several other initiatives and services across the UK offer affordable or free will writing opportunities.
These schemes are designed to encourage more people to organise their estates and avoid the risks associated with dying without a will.
Some alternatives include:
- Will Aid which takes place each November and allows solicitors to write wills in exchange for charitable donations
- Charity legacy programmes that provide free wills when individuals consider leaving a future gift
- Legal benefits offered through certain trade unions or employers
- Low cost online will writing services for straightforward estates
Will Aid is one of the most well known alternatives. During the campaign, solicitors write wills and instead of charging normal fees they invite participants to make a voluntary donation to charity.
free wills month martin lewis:
- Around £120 for a single will
- Around £200 for mirror wills for couples
Many solicitors also offer to store wills safely or register them through national will registers. These options provide multiple ways for people across the UK to create legally valid wills without facing high legal costs.
Free Wills Month Martin Lewis Advice: Why You Should Act Early?
One of the most important pieces of advice about Free Wills Month is to act quickly once the campaign opens. Demand for appointments can rise significantly, especially after national media coverage or promotion from well known experts like Martin Lewis.
Because only selected solicitors participate in the scheme, appointment slots are limited. Waiting too long may result in fewer available options in your area.
Acting early can provide several advantages:
- Greater choice of appointment dates
- Access to nearby participating solicitors
- More time to prepare information for your will
Booking early also allows you to carefully consider important decisions related to your estate.
Things you should think about before your appointment include:
- Who you want to appoint as executors
- How your estate should be divided
- Whether you want to include a charitable gift
Free Wills Month offers a valuable opportunity to organise your affairs without paying solicitor fees. However, the benefit is only available for a limited time and spaces can fill quickly.
Taking action early ensures you can secure an appointment and create a will that protects your family and your wishes.
Conclusion
Free Wills Month provides a valuable opportunity for people aged 55 and over in the UK to create or update a solicitor drafted will without paying legal fees.
Supported by charities and promoted by financial expert Martin Lewis, the scheme encourages more individuals to organise their estates and protect their loved ones.
By taking part in the campaign, you can ensure your money, property and possessions are distributed according to your wishes rather than being decided by intestacy laws.
The process is straightforward and involves checking eligibility, booking an appointment with a participating solicitor and preparing the details of your estate.
Although leaving a gift to charity is encouraged, it is completely optional. What matters most is ensuring your family has clear legal guidance and financial protection for the future.
FAQs
Is Free Wills Month really free?
Yes, the solicitor fees are covered by participating charities during the campaign. You are encouraged but not required to leave a gift in your will.
Can couples make a joint will during Free Wills Month?
Couples can usually create mirror wills if one partner is aged 55 or over. These wills typically leave assets to each other before passing them to chosen beneficiaries.
What documents should you bring to a will appointment?
You should bring details of your assets, beneficiaries and the executors you want to appoint. This information helps the solicitor draft your will accurately.
Can you update an existing will during Free Wills Month?
Yes, the scheme allows you to update or rewrite an existing will if needed. This can be useful after major life changes such as marriage or having children.
Are online wills as safe as solicitor written wills?
Online wills may work for simple situations but they may not provide the same legal protections as a solicitor drafted will. Professional legal advice helps reduce the risk of errors.
What happens if you die without a will in the UK?
Your estate will be distributed according to intestacy laws. These rules determine who inherits your assets and may not reflect your personal wishes.
Can you leave money to charity in your will?
Yes, many people choose to leave a legacy gift to a charity in their will. This decision is entirely optional when using Free Wills Month.
