Free Wills Month 2026: How to Write or Update Your Will for Free

What Is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month runs twice a year, in March and October. It gives people aged 55 and over the chance to write or update a simple will at no cost using participating solicitors across England, Scotland and Wales.

The scheme is supported by a group of well-known UK charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Guide Dogs, Cancer Research UK and others. The idea is straightforward. Participating law firms donate their time during the campaign months, and charities fund the service. Free Wills Month is organised and operated by Capacity Marketing for Charities on behalf of the Free Wills Month charities and is run yearly by the organisers. It is an excellent way to ensure your affairs are in order.

There is no obligation to leave money to a charity in your will. The service is offered free of charge. Some people choose to include a charitable gift as a thank you, but that decision is entirely voluntary.

For many households, the main attraction is being able to put their affairs in order without paying typical solicitor fees.

Why Having a Will Matters

If you die without a will, the law decides who inherits your estate. That process is known as intestacy. It does not always reflect what people assume will happen.

Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit. Stepchildren may receive nothing. Family disputes can arise if there is no written record of your wishes.

A properly drafted will sets out clearly:

• Who inherits your money and belongings

• Who should act as executor

• Who should look after minor children

• Any specific gifts or instructions

Life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or the death of a beneficiary, can affect whether your current will still reflects your intentions.

Free Wills Month gives people the chance to review and update their arrangements without worrying about legal fees.

How Free Wills Month Works

If you are aged 55 or over, you can contact one of the participating solicitors during March or October.

Appointments are limited and offered on a first-come basis. Once local availability is filled, bookings close, even if the month has not yet ended.

The solicitor will meet with you, discuss your circumstances and prepare a simple will that reflects your instructions. In the case of couples making mirror wills, only one partner needs to be 55 or over.

The campaign covers standard, straightforward wills. If your situation involves business interests, overseas property, trusts or complex tax planning, the solicitor may charge additional fees for that extra work.

Many people only require a basic will. The campaign is designed to cover that common situation.

How to Book an Appointment

You begin by visiting the Free Wills Month website.

From there, you can request information and enter your details. You will then be shown participating solicitors in your area.

You contact the solicitor directly to arrange your appointment. Some appointments take place in person at the firm’s office. Others may be offered by phone or online.

Because spaces are limited, it is sensible to make contact early in the campaign month rather than leaving it until the final week.

What If You Miss Free Wills Month?

If you miss the March or October campaign, other charities offer free will-writing services throughout the year.

Oxfam, for example, runs an ongoing free will scheme in partnership with legal providers.

You can choose:

• An at-home appointment

• A telephone service

• A local participating solicitor

The service is available across England and Wales. In Scotland, the solicitor option applies. Northern Ireland residents can access Oxfam Ireland’s service.

As with Free Wills Month, there is no obligation to leave a gift. Many people do choose to, but it is not a requirement.

The process involves selecting your preferred option, providing your details and waiting for the legal partner to make contact. From there, you work through your instructions and the will is drafted.

What Type of Will Is Included?

Free Wills Month covers what is described as a simple will.

That usually means:

• Leaving your estate to family members or friends

• Appointing executors

• Naming guardians for children

• Making straightforward gifts

If your estate includes complicated arrangements, such as multiple properties, foreign assets or business ownership, additional charges may apply.

The solicitor will explain this before carrying out any work that falls outside the free scheme.

Are Wills Only for Older People?

Wills are often associated with later life, but they are relevant at any adult age.

You may not own a house or have significant savings, but you may still want to:

• Decide who inherits your possessions

• Appoint guardians for children

• Protect an unmarried partner

• Avoid family disputes

A will can be updated over time. Creating one earlier in life establishes a clear starting point.

Without a will, decisions are left to legal rules that may not match your intentions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Free Wills Month in 2026?

Free Wills Month runs in March and October each year. Exact booking windows depend on participating solicitors in your area.

Who qualifies for Free Wills Month?

You must be aged 55 or over. For couples making mirror wills, only one partner needs to meet the age requirement.

Do you have to leave money to a charity?

No. There is no obligation to leave a charitable gift. The service is offered without a requirement.

What does a simple will include?

A simple will typically covers how your estate is distributed, who will act as executor and guardianship arrangements for children. More complex estates may involve additional fees.

What happens if I die without a will?

Your estate will be distributed according to intestacy laws. Unmarried partners and stepchildren may not automatically inherit.

Is Free Wills Month available across the UK?

The scheme operates across England, Scotland and Wales through participating solicitors. Availability depends on local firms signing up to the campaign.

Free Wills Month gives people a chance to deal with something that is often postponed. For many, the cost of legal advice is the main barrier. Removing that cost makes it easier to put plans in place and review them when life changes.

If you qualify, it is worth checking local availability during the campaign months rather than assuming it will remain open until the end of March or October.