Free Will: November's WillAid Month

MSE_Martin

November is WillAid month. It's a fantastic scheme. Yet appointments go quickly so do book soon. It's also worth noting some solicitors set a minimum age of 50 for people doing this.

Why do you need a will?

If you die without one, your money, assets, property will automatically pass in a way directed by law, not your choice. This can mean the wrong thing going to the wrong person and much more going to the tax man (see Inheritance Tax MoneySaving Article)

While it is possible to buy 'off-the-shelf' will packs most of the research done on these (including an extensive report by Which?) has concluded that for anything other than the most simple wills there tend to be problems. Therefore a solicitor-drafted will is, at least, an aim.

What is WillAid?

During the month of November many solicitors across the country will draft you a will at no charge. If that happens, then they will ask you to make a donation to charity. This isn't forced and there's no fixed price, but £75 is suggested for a single will or £110 for a pair of wills. If you can, do donate, however if you cannot afford that there is no need to pay anything at all.

www.willaid.org.uk

What are the Charities?

Nine charities will benefit: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save the Children UK, Sight Savers International, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland). The solicitor can nominate the specific charity it wants to support.

Why would a solicitor do it for free?

First and foremost like many other individuals, to support charity. However, it's also a good way of encouraging people who have never been before to walk into a solicitor's office, and they may well gain new clients in the long run because of it.

How do I find a solicitor near me doing it?

That's easy. At this point I'll pass you over to the official website, www.willaid.org.uk which has all the info. Once there simply tell it your postcode and it will find you the nearest solicitor.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT HOW MUCH TO PAY

The whole purpose of Will Aid is to raise as much money as possible for charity and to persuade people to get around to writing a proper will, and at the suggested £75 it's actually cheap compared to what the actual fee would be.

If you cannot afford the full amount, don't blunder straight in and say "I will only donate £20 is that ok?"

Some oversubscribed solicitors may take umbridge. Instead Will Aid itself suggests you phone the solicitor and explain you want to make an appointment through the Will Aid scheme without asking about the cost - tell it you'll make a donation via the WillAid website and bring the receipt. That should be fine.

If there are any problems with an individual solicitor on this, the Will Aid press officer is monitoring this discussion and if you've tried every other option to sort it you can send her a private message

www.willaid.org.uk

black_pudding_2

Great find!
Thanks Martin

iwanttosave_2

Just a shame I dont have anything to leave.

Although I could request that MIL gets all her presents back :think:

Crabman

iwanttosave wrote:

Just a shame I dont have anything to leave.

Although I could request that MIL gets all her presents back :think:

You get on with your MIL?

:rotfl:

LizEstelle

Free will does not exist. We are all the playthings of the gods.

LizEstelle

Come to think of it, Will should definitely be freed. Too long has he thus languished.

katskorner

I have a basic will but I need to make a change to it - do you think that I could do that for free or am I best simply making a brand new will that then superceeds the first?

bilbo_2

thanks for this will give our local people a ring tomorrow

stashmycash

The search does not seem to be working on the willaid website, so I am unable to find a solicitor.

Scully's_Girl

Same for me, I get the weird error Error Executing Database Query.

I ended up calling the number 0870 6060 239, where they confirmed they send you an information pack based on your post code in about 5 working days.
I called from work so it doesnt cost me anything, but I couldnt find an alternative on www.saynoto0870.com for the rest of ya'll I'm afraid.
The other option is to send the request to [EMAIL="enquiries@willaid.org.uk"]enquiries@willaid.org.uk[/EMAIL] for the packet to be sent. Just give your house number, post code and name. Specify you dont want to be added to mailing lists (theirs or charities, they did ask).

vlismasm

Hi, just contacted my local solicitor listed but he will only draw up will's for people over the age of 50! Disappointed to say the least as my hubby and I aren't quite there yet. The solicitors have also chosen a charity themselves from the list so it is not always your choice from the listing.