Free Wills Month UK 2026: How to Get a Free Solicitor-Drafted Will
Free Wills Month UK 2026
Making a will typically costs £200-£350 with a solicitor. But twice a year, you can get a solicitor-drafted will completely free.
Free Wills Month is run by a group of charities who hope (but don't require) that you'll consider leaving them a legacy. It's a genuine free service - thousands of people use it every year.
Table of Contents
- How Free Wills Month Works
- When Is Free Wills Month 2026?
- Who Can Use It?
- How to Sign Up
- Will Aid: The November Alternative
- Other Free Will Options
- FAQ
How Free Wills Month Works {#how-it-works}
Free Wills Month is coordinated by a consortium of charities including:
- Age UK
- British Heart Foundation
- Stroke Association
- NSPCC
- RSPB
- And many others
These charities partner with solicitors across the UK who volunteer their time.
The Process
- Registration opens - Usually a few weeks before the month starts
- You sign up online at freewillsmonth.org.uk
- You choose a solicitor from the participating firms in your area
- You book an appointment directly with the solicitor
- You attend and have your will drafted
- The solicitor handles everything - same service as if you paid
Is There a Catch?
The charities hope you'll consider leaving a gift in your will (a legacy). But there's no obligation to do so.
You can use Free Wills Month and leave nothing to charity. Many people do. The charities understand that not everyone can afford to leave a legacy.
That said, if you can and want to, a legacy is a meaningful way to support causes you care about.
When Is Free Wills Month 2026? {#dates}
Free Wills Month typically runs twice yearly:
March 2026 - Registration usually opens late February October 2026 - Registration usually opens late September
Exact dates are announced on the Free Wills Month website each year.
Book Early
Popular solicitors fill up fast, especially in March (fewer dates than October). Sign up as soon as registration opens if you want the best choice of appointments.
Who Can Use It? {#eligibility}
Age Requirement
You must be 55 or over to use Free Wills Month.
If you're under 55, see the other options below.
Complexity Limits
Free Wills Month covers simple wills. This typically includes:
- Leaving everything to spouse, then children
- Appointing executors
- Appointing guardians for minor children
- Basic gifts to charity
It may NOT cover:
- Complex trust arrangements
- Business assets
- Overseas property
- Tax planning advice
- Contested estate situations
Solicitors will tell you if your situation is too complex for the free service. They may offer to complete the extra work for a fee, or you can seek advice elsewhere.
Geographic Coverage
Participating solicitors are spread across the UK, but coverage varies. Rural areas may have fewer options.
Check availability when registration opens.
How to Sign Up {#sign-up}
Step 1: Wait for Registration
Registration opens a few weeks before each Free Wills Month. Check freewillsmonth.org.uk for announcements.
Step 2: Register Online
Fill in your details:
- Name and contact information
- Age confirmation (55+)
- Postcode (to find local solicitors)
Step 3: Choose a Solicitor
You'll see a list of participating solicitors near you. Choose one and contact them directly to book.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Appointment
Before you go, think about:
- Executors - Who will manage your estate?
- Beneficiaries - Who gets what?
- Guardians - Who looks after your children?
- Specific gifts - Any particular items or amounts?
- Residuary estate - Who gets everything else?
Step 5: Attend and Sign
The solicitor drafts your will based on your instructions. You review it, sign with witnesses, and you're done.
Will Aid: The November Alternative {#will-aid}
Will Aid is a similar scheme running in November.
How Will Aid Differs
- Runs throughout November
- No age restriction - anyone can use it
- Suggested donation (not required): £100 for single will, £180 for mirror wills
- Donations go to Will Aid partner charities
Will Aid Charities
- ActionAid
- Age UK
- British Red Cross
- Christian Aid
- NSPCC
- Save the Children
- Sightsavers
- Trocaire
- SCIAF
How to Use Will Aid
- Visit willaid.org.uk in November
- Find a participating solicitor
- Book an appointment
- Make a donation if you can (completely optional)
Will Aid is particularly good if you're under 55 and want a solicitor-drafted will at low or no cost.
Other Free Will Options {#other-options}
Individual Charity Schemes
Many charities offer free wills year-round in exchange for considering a legacy:
| Charity | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Age UK | Free will-writing service for supporters |
| Cancer Research UK | Partnered with legal services |
| British Heart Foundation | Free will service |
| RSPB | Free wills through partners |
| Macmillan | Free will service |
| Many others | Check your favourite charity |
Search "[charity name] free will" to find these schemes.
Online Will Services
If you don't qualify for free schemes, online wills cost £90-£150:
- Farewill - £90
- Beyond - £90
- Co-op Legal - £99
These are legally valid for straightforward situations.
Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}
Key Takeaways
- March and October - Free Wills Month runs twice yearly
- 55+ only - Age requirement applies
- Genuinely free - No catch, no obligation to donate
- November alternative - Will Aid (no age limit, suggested donation)
- Book early - Popular solicitors fill up fast
Next Steps {#next-steps}
Last updated: January 2026. Check freewillsmonth.org.uk and willaid.org.uk for current dates and registration information.
Last updated: 23 January 2026