Free Wills Month 2025: How It Works

Every October, thousands of people across the UK take part in Free Wills Month, a national campaign that offers adults aged 55 and over the chance to have a simple will written or updated for free by participating solicitors.

The Free Wills Month campaign helps people get their affairs in order while supporting major UK charities. Here’s how it works, who qualifies, and what your options are if you need something different.

What Is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month is a charitable campaign that runs twice a year in March and October across selected areas of the UK. It’s organized by a group of well-known charities to encourage more people to make a will and consider leaving a gift to charity in their estate planning.

During the campaign, participating solicitors write simple wills for free for qualifying individuals. The solicitor is paid directly by the charity partnership, so there’s no cost to you.

Who Can Take Part in Free Wills Month?

To qualify for Free Wills Month, you need to meet these criteria:

Age 55 or over – If you’re making a joint will with your partner, only one of you needs to be 55 or older.

Book with a participating solicitor – You’ll need to find participating solicitors in your local area through the official Free Wills Month website.

Need a simple will – The campaign covers straightforward wills only. Complex estates, overseas property, trusts, or business ownership typically require paid legal advice.

Spaces are limited and fill up quickly, particularly during the October campaign.

How Does Free Wills Month Work?

Here’s the process:

Visit the official Free Wills Month website to find participating solicitors in your area
Contact a local solicitor directly to book an appointment
Meet with your chosen solicitor to discuss your wishes and any charitable gifts
Your solicitor drafts and finalizes your simple will at no cost

The solicitor’s time is covered by participating charities. You’re under no obligation to include a charity in your will, though many people choose to donate to a chosen charity.

What’s Included in a Simple Will

Free Wills Month covers:

Simple single or mirror wills
Naming executors and beneficiaries
Distributing standard assets like your home, savings, and possessions

It doesn’t cover:

Complex estates with multiple properties or overseas assets
Trusts or inheritance tax planning
Business ownership or complicated inheritance structures

If your situation is more complex, you’ll need to use a paid solicitor or an online will writing service. A free simple will will not be suitable.

Pretty young woman talking with her mother at home and smiling

Making Your Will Online Instead

If you’d rather write your will from home, or you’re under 55 and not eligible for Free Wills Month, online will writing services offer a practical alternative.

Services like My Local Will Writer provide a guided process that takes around 15-20 minutes to complete. You can create your will entirely online at your own pace, with solicitor checking included.

There are no waiting lists or appointments – just a straightforward way to make your will legally valid and ready to sign.

<< Start your will online here >>

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Making a Will

Whether you use Free Wills Month or write your will online, the important thing is getting it done.

A valid will ensures:

Your money, home, and possessions go exactly where you want
Your partner and children are protected
Family disputes are avoided
Executors have clear instructions

Delaying your will can cause confusion and unnecessary stress for your loved ones.

Free Wills Month FAQs

When is Free Wills Month 2025?
Free Wills Month runs in March and October each year. The October 2025 campaign is now open for bookings.

Is Free Wills Month really free?
Yes. Participating charities cover the cost of your will. You’re not required to leave a charitable gift, though many people choose to include one.

Can anyone take part in Free Wills Month?
The campaign is open to people aged 55 and over. Couples can qualify if at least one partner meets the age requirement.

What if I’m under 55?
You can make a will through an online solicitor-checked will writing service at a low cost without waiting for Free Wills Month.

Do I have to leave money to charity?
No. Including a charitable gift is entirely optional, though the campaign encourages charitable giving through wills.

What’s the difference between a simple will and a complex will?
A simple will covers basic situations with straightforward assets and beneficiaries. Complex wills involve trusts, business assets, overseas property, or significant tax planning.

Get Your Will Sorted

Free Wills Month makes will writing more accessible while supporting charities across the UK. If you qualify and need a simple will, it’s worth taking advantage of the campaign.

If you prefer to avoid appointments, don’t meet the eligibility criteria, or need a more complex will, making your will online is fast, secure, and legally binding.

The most important step is getting your will done. Start today and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything’s taken care of.