UK Households can SAVE £150 in March 2025: Many adults over the age of 30 have not yet made a will, even though it is a crucial document that ensures their assets go to the right people. Recent reports suggest that as many as 50% of adults over 30 do not have a will in place, putting their loved ones at risk of missing out on their rightful inheritance.
Why Having a Will is Essential
Having a legally valid will prevents complications after death. Without a will, the rules of intestacy determine how your estate is distributed, which might not align with your wishes. Lawyer Melinda Giles has handled numerous cases where the absence of a valid will led to significant financial and emotional distress for families.
She shared a real-life example:
“I recently worked with a family whose relative had passed away, leaving behind a significant estate. Before she died, she had started making a will but sadly lost capacity before signing it. As a result, the estate went back to the Crown.”
This situation highlights why a properly drafted and signed will is essential to ensure your wealth is distributed according to your wishes.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
The cost of making a will depends on its complexity. On average, prices range between £150 and £500, depending on individual circumstances and legal fees.
However, there is a way to get a solicitor-drafted will for free.
Free Wills Month – Get Your Will Done for Free
Free Wills Month happens twice a year, every March and October. This initiative allows people to get their will drafted or updated by a solicitor for free.
Who Can Take Part?
- Anyone aged 55 or over can participate.
- If a couple wants a mirror will, only one partner needs to be 55 or older.
Where is Free Wills Month Available?
Each Free Wills Month takes place in specific UK locations, which vary between March and October. For March 2025, the participating areas include:
- Scotland: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Perth
- England & Wales: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Darlington, Eastbourne, Essex, Harrogate, Hastings, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Mid Wales, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Wales, Northamptonshire, Norwich, Sheffield, Sunderland, Surrey, Swansea, Wirral, Wolverhampton
Some locations fill up quickly. Areas that are already fully booked include:
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Chichester, Coventry, Crawley, Horsham, Peterborough, Worthing.
Do You Have to Leave Money to Charity?
While Free Wills Month does not require participants to leave money to charity, it is encouraged. Many people leave between £300 and £1,000, or donate a small percentage of their estate. However, this is entirely voluntary, and you can choose not to leave anything if you prefer.
Making a will is one of the most important financial steps you can take. Without one, your assets might not go to the people you intend. Whether you pay for a will or take advantage of Free Wills Month, ensuring that you have a valid document in place is crucial for securing your family’s future. Don’t wait—check if your area is participating in Free Wills Month and get your will sorted today.
FAQ’s
Why is making a will important?
A will ensures that your assets go to the right people after your death. Without one, intestacy laws will decide how your estate is distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
How much does it cost to make a will?
The cost varies depending on complexity, but a basic will typically costs between £150 and £500. Free Wills Month also offers solicitor-drafted wills at no charge for eligible individuals.
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is an initiative that happens in March and October, allowing people aged 55 and over to get a solicitor-drafted will for free.
Do I have to donate to charity to use Free Wills Month?
No, but it is encouraged. Many participants choose to leave between £300 and £1,000 to a charity, but it is not a requirement.
Which areas are taking part in Free Wills Month this March?
Locations include Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Essex, Glasgow, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Norwich, Sheffield, Swansea, and Wolverhampton. Some areas are already fully booked.
