More than half of UK adults still don’t have a will, often because they think they don’t own enough to bother, they’re “too young,” or they want to avoid legal costs.
But without one, your estate is divided under strict intestacy laws and that can leave unmarried partners, stepchildren, or friends with nothing.
The good news? There are multiple ways to create a legally valid will for free in the UK, and there are more schemes than ever before.
Why a will still matters
If you die without a will, the law decides who inherits your assets and that rarely matches personal wishes.
Intestacy rules can exclude partners you aren’t married to, ignore informal promises, and cause disputes.
With property values, pensions, and personal possessions all forming part of your estate, even a “simple” case can be worth thousands.
Inheritance tax planning, care home fees, and guardianship arrangements for children make a will even more important.
The Law Commission has also been reviewing wills law, including a proposal to lower the legal age from 18 to 16, but these changes aren’t yet in force.
Free will writing options
Free Wills Month – March and October
Twice a year, people aged 55+ can have a simple will written for free by participating solicitors. The scheme is funded by charities, which hope you’ll consider leaving a gift in your will (though it’s not compulsory).
Slots fill fast, so book early via the Free Wills Month website.
Macmillan’s year-round free wills service
Macmillan Cancer Support offers free wills for all adults over 18 in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
You can choose in-person, phone, or online completion. Like Free Wills Month, there’s no obligation to leave a gift, but many supporters do.
Will Aid – November
Every November, participating solicitors waive their fees for basic wills in exchange for a voluntary donation to charity.
Will Aid supports organisations including Age UK, Save the Children, and NSPCC. It’s open to all adults, but capacity is limited.
Online free will platforms
Some UK-based legal services offer free basic wills online. These can be suitable for simple estates but may not provide tailored advice.
Always ensure the service complies with UK law and that you sign and witness your will correctly.
Free will registration campaigns
Even the best will is useless if nobody can find it. That’s why registering it can be a smart extra step.
In May and June 2025, the National Will Register ran Free Will Registration Month, allowing you to register your will for free using the code FREEWILLREG25. They may run it again in future years.
Registration made it easier for executors and family to locate the correct, most recent version when it’s needed.
Other charity will offers
Some charities also run free will offers in return for you bequeathing them something in the will.
Cancer Research UK, The Stroke Association, The Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Amnesty International, British Academy, Children with Cancer, Dignity in Dying, Guide Dogs, Independent Age, Liberty, Macmillan Cancer Support, Oxfam, Shelter, the Soil Association and other charities offer a free solicitor-drafted will in return for you leaving them something.
The amount you leave is entirely up to you, but recommended donations are £100 for a single will and £180 for a mirror will.
When you may need to pay (and how to keep it low cost)
Free will schemes are usually for straightforward situations. You might need to pay for a solicitor if:
- You own property abroad
- You want to set up a trust
- You have business interests
- You have a blended family with children from previous relationships
- You want complex tax planning
Typical costs for a solicitor-written will range from £150–£500+, but some law firms offer discounted rates during awareness campaigns.
Always check credentials. Will writers should be regulated by a professional body such as The Law Society or the Institute of Professional Willwriters.
Extra steps for peace of mind
Create a “death file”
This is a folder (physical or digital) containing your will, funeral wishes, insurance details, property deeds, bank information, and anything else your executors will need.
Tell your executors
Let them know where the will and your key documents are stored, and give them the solicitor’s or will writer’s contact details.
Review regularly
Life changes — such as marriage, divorce, having children, moving house, or receiving an inheritance — are all reasons to review and update your will.
Fully legal will for free FAQs
1. Who can use Free Wills Month, and how do I book?
Free Wills Month runs in March and October for those aged 55+. Book through the official website by entering your postcode to find participating solicitors. Spaces are limited and often fill within days, so early booking is essential.
2. Can I get a will written for free any time of year?
Yes. Macmillan’s free wills service is open year-round to all UK adults over 18. Other options include Will Aid in November and occasional offers from online will-writing services. The National Will Register also offers free will registration during specific months.
3. What happens if I don’t have a will?
If you die without a valid will, your estate is distributed under intestacy laws. This can mean unmarried partners, close friends, and charities you might have wanted to support get nothing. It can also cause disputes and delays in accessing funds.
4. When might I need to pay for a will rather than get one for free?
If your estate is complex, involving multiple properties, trusts, foreign assets, or blended families, it’s best to pay for professional advice. Complex wills can cost from £150 to £500+, but this investment helps prevent costly disputes later.
5. How can I ensure my will is carried out correctly?
Store it safely, ideally with your solicitor or in a fireproof safe, and register it with the National Will Register. Keep a “death file” of important documents and tell your executors exactly where to find it. Update your will after major life events to ensure it stays valid and relevant.
