Wills, Trusts & Estates · Free Wills
Free Wills Month
Free Wills Month takes place every October and November. Adults aged 55 and over can make or update a simple will free of charge through participating solicitors.
PDA Law participates in Free Wills Month from our Chester office. Register your interest early — appointments fill quickly. We also offer wills year-round at competitive fixed fees.
Register your interest now — appointments fill quickly
Free Wills Month runs in October and November each year. We recommend registering your interest well in advance. If you cannot wait, we offer wills at competitive fixed fees throughout the year — see our fees.
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is a national initiative run by a coalition of UK charities. It takes place every October and November and allows adults aged 55 and over to have a simple will written or updated free of charge by a participating solicitor.
In return, participants are invited — but never obliged — to consider leaving a gift to one of the participating charities in their will. There is no pressure and no obligation. Your will is entirely your own.
The scheme has helped hundreds of thousands of people across the UK make or update their wills. Despite this, around 60% of UK adults still do not have a will — leaving their estates to be distributed according to the intestacy rules, which may not reflect their wishes.
Key facts
What is included in the free will
The scheme covers simple wills for straightforward estates. Here is what is included.
Simple single will
A straightforward will for an individual — appointing executors, leaving specific gifts, and distributing the residue of your estate. Suitable for most straightforward estates.
Mirror wills for couples
Two matching wills for a couple — typically leaving everything to each other and then to children or other beneficiaries. The most common arrangement for married couples and civil partners.
Appointment of guardians
If you have children under 18, your will can appoint guardians to care for them if both parents die. This is one of the most important reasons to make a will.
Charitable legacy
Free Wills Month is organised by a coalition of charities. Participants are invited — but never obliged — to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will. Any gift, however small, makes a difference.
What is not included
The scheme is designed for simple, straightforward wills. The following are not covered by the free scheme — but we can advise and assist with all of these at our standard fees.
Need something more complex? If your circumstances fall outside the free scheme, we offer a full range of will and estate planning services at transparent fixed fees. See our fees.
Why make a will?
Control who inherits
Without a will, your estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules — which may not reflect your wishes. A will ensures your assets go to the people you choose.
Protect your family
A will lets you appoint guardians for young children, make provision for a partner you are not married to, and ensure stepchildren and other family members are included.
Reduce inheritance tax
A well-drafted will can make use of available IHT allowances and exemptions, potentially saving your estate significant sums in tax.
Leave a charitable legacy
A gift to charity in your will reduces the value of your taxable estate and, if you leave 10% or more to charity, reduces the IHT rate on the remainder from 40% to 36%.
Our wills team
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Wills & Estates
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Private ClientFrequently Asked Questions
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month is a national initiative that takes place every October and November. It is organised by a coalition of charities and allows adults aged 55 and over to have a simple will written or updated free of charge by a participating solicitor. In return, participants are invited — but never obliged — to consider leaving a gift to one of the participating charities.
Who is eligible for Free Wills Month?
The standard Free Wills Month scheme is open to adults aged 55 and over. Some participating solicitors may extend the scheme to younger adults at their discretion. There is no means test — eligibility is based on age only.
What type of will can I make through Free Wills Month?
The scheme covers simple single wills and mirror wills for couples. It is designed for straightforward estates. If your circumstances are more complex — for example, if you have a business, agricultural property, a blended family, or significant inheritance tax planning needs — you may need a more comprehensive will that falls outside the scheme.
Do I have to leave money to charity?
No. You are invited to consider leaving a gift to one of the participating charities, but there is absolutely no obligation to do so. Your will is entirely your own and will reflect your wishes.
When does Free Wills Month take place?
Free Wills Month runs in October and November each year. The scheme is organised nationally and participating solicitors register in advance. We recommend registering your interest early as appointments fill quickly.
What if my will is more complex than the scheme covers?
If your circumstances fall outside the scope of the free scheme — for example, if you need a trust will, have inheritance tax planning needs, or have a blended family — we can advise you on the full range of options. Our fees for more complex wills are set out on our fees page.
Can I update an existing will through Free Wills Month?
Yes — the scheme covers both making a new will and updating an existing one. If your circumstances have changed since you last made a will — for example, you have married, divorced, had children or grandchildren, or your assets have changed significantly — it is important to review and update your will.
What should I bring to my will appointment?
You should bring details of your assets (property, savings, investments, pensions), the full names and addresses of your intended executors and beneficiaries, and details of any specific gifts you wish to make. If you have children under 18, you should also think about who you would like to appoint as guardian.
Related wills and estate planning services
Making a Will
Everything you need to know about making a will.
Mirror Wills for Couples
How mirror wills work and their limitations.
WTE Fees
Transparent pricing for wills, LPAs and probate.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Reduce your estate's IHT liability.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Appoint someone to manage your affairs.
What Happens Without a Will
The intestacy rules explained.
Speak to a wills and estates solicitor today. Sensitive, professional advice — costs explained clearly before any work begins.
No obligation — talk through your options first. Chester, Cheshire & North Wales.
Register Your Interest
Tell us a little about your situation and we will be in touch to arrange your Free Wills Month appointment or discuss your options.