Talking about wills isn’t exactly dinner-table conversation. For many people, it’s something that feels a bit uncomfortable, easy to put off, or simply not urgent enough to deal with right now. But the truth is, making a will is one of the kindest and most practical things you can do for the people you care about.
And if you’ve been meaning to get around to it, March is a particularly good time to start that conversation, as it’s Free Wills Month.
Why do so many people put off making a will?
We hear it all the time:
- “I’m too young to need a will.”
- “I don’t own very much.”
- “Everything will just go to my family anyway.”
- “I’ll deal with it later.”
The reality is that life rarely stays the same for long. Relationships change, families grow, property is bought, and circumstances evolve. A will gives you control over what happens next — and without one, that control is taken out of your hands.
What happens if you don’t have a will?
If you die without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. These are strict legal rules that don’t take personal relationships or intentions into account.
This can lead to outcomes that surprise people, such as:
- Unmarried partners not inheriting anything
- Stepchildren being excluded
- Delays and additional stress for family members
- Disputes at an already difficult time
Having a properly drafted will helps avoid uncertainty, reduces the risk of conflict, and makes things much easier for those you leave behind.
A will isn’t just about money
Many people think a will is only about finances, but it can do much more than that. A will allows you to:
- Choose who inherits your estate
- Appoint guardians for young children
- Name executors you trust to carry out your wishes
- Make specific gifts to friends, family, or charities
It’s about clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind — for you and for your loved ones.
Why it’s important to keep your will up to date
Even if you already have a will, it may need reviewing. Major life events can affect whether your will still reflects your wishes, including:
- Marriage or divorce
- Buying or selling property
- Having children or grandchildren
- Changes to your financial situation
- Changes in family relationships
An out-of-date will can cause just as many problems as having no will at all.
March is Free Wills Month
March is Free Wills Month, a national campaign designed to encourage people aged 55 and over to have a professionally drafted will written or updated — free of charge.
Instead of paying legal fees, participants are invited (though not obliged) to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will. Many people welcome the opportunity to support a cause they care about, while also ensuring their personal affairs are in order.
Free Wills Month is a great way to:
- Get expert advice from a qualified solicitor
- Avoid the risks of DIY or online wills
- Ensure your will is legally valid and tailored to you
Appointments can fill up quickly, so it’s worth getting in touch early if this is something you’d like to take advantage of.
How we can help
We understand that talking about wills can feel daunting, but our approach is straightforward, friendly, and focused on what matters to you. We’ll take the time to explain things clearly, answer your questions, and make sure your will reflects your wishes — without unnecessary jargon or pressure.
Whether you’re making your first will, updating an existing one, or enquiring about Free Wills Month, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to have the conversation?
If making a will has been on your to-do list for a while, March is the perfect opportunity to take that first step. Getting it sorted now can make a real difference later.
Get in touch with our team to find out more about Free Wills Month or to arrange an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wills
- Do I really need a will if I don’t own much?
Yes. A will isn’t just about money or property. It ensures your wishes are clear, allows you to choose who deals with your estate, and can cover things like personal possessions and guardianship of children. Even modest estates can become complicated without a will in place.
- What happens if I die without a will?
If you don’t have a valid will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy. These rules are fixed and may not reflect your personal wishes. Unmarried partners, for example, do not automatically inherit, which can come as a shock to many families.
- Can I write my own will?
While it’s possible to make a DIY or online will, mistakes are common and can make a will unclear or even invalid. Using a solicitor helps ensure your will is legally sound, reflects your wishes properly, and avoids problems for your loved ones later on.
- How often should I update my will?
It’s a good idea to review your will every few years, or whenever there’s a significant change in your life — such as getting married, divorced, buying a property, or having children or grandchildren.
- What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month takes place every March and allows people aged 55 and over to have a professionally drafted will written or updated free of charge. Participants are invited, but not required, to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will.
- Is there any obligation to leave a gift to charity?
No. There’s no obligation at all. Many people choose to include a charitable gift, but the decision is entirely yours.
- How do I book an appointment?
Simply get in touch with our team to find out more about Free Wills Month or to arrange a convenient appointment. We’ll talk you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
I like it when people come together and share views.
Great site, stick with it!
This excellent website really has all of the information and facts
I wanted concerning this subject and didn\’t know who to ask.