Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued an urgent call to action, particularly targeting couples, to organise their vital life paperwork this month. Thousands of people aged 55 and over could save hundreds of pounds by taking advantage of Free Wills Month, a limited-time campaign running until March 31st. Lewis warns that failing to secure a will could jeopardise one's legacy, with potentially severe consequences for unmarried partners and other loved ones.
Substantial Savings on Critical Documentation
In the United Kingdom, the average cost for preparing a standard will ranges from £100 to £400, with more complex estates potentially incurring fees running into thousands of pounds. During Free Wills Month, eligible individuals can obtain this essential document completely free of charge. The campaign is a collaborative effort between various charities and participating solicitor firms, designed to encourage people to consider leaving charitable gifts in their wills, though there is absolutely no obligation to do so.
Eligibility and Urgent Action Required
The offer is available to all members of the public aged 55 and over who require simple wills. This typically applies to individuals with relatively modest estates and straightforward plans for asset distribution. For couples planning to create mirror wills—documents with near-identical provisions for each partner—only one person needs to be over 55 to qualify both wills for the free service.
However, time is of the essence. Appointments are offered on a strict first-come, first-served basis and can fill up rapidly. Once all available slots are taken, the campaign will close, potentially before the official end-of-March deadline. Individuals must contact one of the participating solicitor firms to request an appointment before 5 PM on March 31st or before availability expires.
Geographic Availability and Annual Schedule
Free Wills Month operates annually in both March and October, with coverage extending across numerous locations. This month's campaign includes solicitor firms in: Aberdeen, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cardiff, Chesterfield, Chichester, Coventry, Crawley/Horsham, Darlington, Derbyshire, Dundee, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Essex, Fife, Glasgow, Harrogate, Hastings, Hertfordshire, Inverness, Kent, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Leicestershire, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Mid Wales, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northamptonshire, North Wales, Norwich, Perth, Peterborough, Preston, Sheffield, Sunderland, Surrey, Swansea, Wirral, Wolverhampton, and Worthing.
The Perils of Dying Without a Will
Martin Lewis has emphasised the critical importance of having a valid will, particularly for unmarried couples. If a person dies without a will in England and Wales, their estate is handled according to intestacy rules. Under these regulations, assets are distributed first to a spouse, then to children, followed by other blood relatives.
This system poses significant risks. Unmarried partners, regardless of the length or nature of their relationship, have no automatic entitlement to inherit. Similarly, stepchildren and close friends are excluded from inheritance under intestacy rules. In cases where no eligible relatives can be located, the entire estate may ultimately be claimed by the Crown.
During the appointment with a participating solicitor, your will is drawn up precisely according to your wishes, ensuring your estate and legacy are distributed exactly as you intend. It is important to note that if your estate is considered particularly complex, you may be asked to pay for additional legal advice beyond the scope of the free basic service.
