This March, Free Wills Month returns, giving individuals aged 55 and over the opportunity to write or update a simple Will at no cost. Some of the UK’s most beloved charities are collaborating with local solicitors to offer this invaluable service, encouraging people to consider leaving a legacy gift while ensuring their affairs are in order.
Since its launch in 2005, Free Wills Month has been a tremendous success, raising an estimated £30 million in future charitable income each year. The campaign runs in March and October in selected locations across the UK, including Aberdeen, Barry, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Chichester, Coventry, Crawley, Darlington, Dundee, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Glasgow, Harrogate, Hastings, Hertfordshire, Horsham, Inverness, Kent, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Mid Wales, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Wales, Northamptonshire, Norwich, Perth, Peterborough, Sheffield, Sunderland, Surrey, Swansea, Wirral, Wolverhampton and Worthing.
How Free Wills Month Works
Free Wills Month is designed to connect participants with qualified solicitors who will draft or update their Wills for free. The initiative is run by Capacity Marketing for Charities, an organisation known for its expertise in solicitor-led Will-writing campaigns that drive legacy income for charitable organisations. While there is no obligation to include a gift to charity, many participants choose to do so, significantly increasing charitable donations. Typically, only 7% of people leave a charitable gift in their Will, but this campaign has boosted that figure to around 70%.
Appointments are limited and fill up quickly, so those interested are encouraged to visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk and book as soon as possible before the deadline on Monday, 31st March at 5 PM.
The Impact of Legacy Giving
The charities sponsoring Free Wills Month depend on legacy donations for a significant portion of their income. These contributions help sustain their vital work, from supporting medical research to providing essential care services. Among the charities involved are Age UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Guide Dogs, Marie Curie, Mencap, NSPCC, Oxfam, The Royal British Legion, The Salvation Army, Stroke Association, Versus Arthritis, RNID, RNLI, Breast Cancer Now, Mind, PDSA, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, Dogs Trust and Help for Heroes.
Leaving a legacy gift costs nothing now but can make a substantial difference in the future. Even a small percentage of an estate can help these charities continue their essential work for years to come.
Benefits for Solicitors
Free Wills Month is not only beneficial for charities and individuals but also for solicitors. Participating firms receive:
- New Clients: Many individuals who use this service return for additional legal work, such as estate planning, trusts, and inheritance tax advice.
- Guaranteed Payment: Unlike some free Will-writing initiatives, solicitors are compensated for each Will they draft.
- Positive Community Impact: Helping clients leave a charitable legacy strengthens a firm’s reputation and demonstrates ethical practice.
- National & Local Promotion: Participating solicitors are featured in local newspaper adverts and on the Free Wills Month website, which attracts over 200,000 unique visitors per campaign.
- Reinforcement of Professional Wills: The initiative helps educate the public on the importance of professionally drafted Wills, discouraging the use of DIY or online alternatives that may lead to legal complications.
How to Get Involved
- Individuals interested in writing or updating their Will should visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk to find a participating solicitor.
- Book an appointment before March 31st to ensure availability.
- Meet with a solicitor to draft or update a Will for free.
- Consider leaving a legacy gift to one or more of the charities supporting the campaign.
For solicitors, Free Wills Month presents an excellent opportunity to grow their client base while making a meaningful contribution to society. Even taking on 10 or 15 appointments can generate an estimated £50,000 in future charitable income.
Join the Movement
For more information about Free Wills Month or to enquire about participating, please contact Richard Millar, Managing Director, at richard@freewillsmonth.org
This campaign continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring individuals can plan for the future while supporting charitable causes that rely on legacy gifts. Be part of a campaign that makes a difference—join Free Wills Month today!
