How to make a will for free

How to make a will for free

People spend an average of £287 to write their will, according to a survey carried out by Which? in 2025.

But writing a will needn't cost hundreds of pounds, and there are plenty of ways to spend less. In fact, one in 10 in our survey said they spent nothing at all. 

Several schemes offer free, simple wills drafted by a solicitor or using a will-writing service.

Generally, these schemes are suitable only if you have a relatively straightforward estate. If your affairs are more complex – for example, you have a complicated family situation or overseas property – you should consider speaking to a solicitor. 

You can sometimes still take part in the schemes, but you may be asked to cover the additional costs.

Here, we explain how you can write a simple will for free.

Free Wills Month

During October and March each year, people aged 55 or over can get a simple solicitor-drafted will or pair of mirror wills for free as part of Free Wills Month. 

If you're a couple making mirror wills, just one of you needs to be 55 or over.

Participating solicitors are listed at freewillsmonth.org.uk from the first of the month when the campaign is running. Enter your details on the website to find solicitors in your area.

Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s suggested that you leave a gift to one of the partnering charities in your will, but there’s no obligation to do so.

Will Aid

Will Aid offers free appointments with solicitors throughout November, and participating lawyers will waive their fee for a simple will or a pair of basic mirror wills. 

It’s suggested that you make an upfront donation of £120-£200, which is split between eight partner charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Crisis, NSPCC, Shelter, SCIAF and Trocaire.

The list of participating solicitors goes live on 1 September each year at willaid.org.uk, and it’s advised that you book early to secure a place. 

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National Free Wills Network

The National Free Wills Network is a partnership between more than 300 charities and 900 solicitors, offering free, simple solicitor-drafted wills.

The scheme runs year-round. To take part, you need to be referred by a participating charity – you can find participating organisations at nationalfreewills.net.

Once you’ve registered with your chosen charity, you’ll receive an information pack with instructions for how to contact your solicitor and book your appointment.

It’s hoped that you’ll leave a gift to the charity in your will, but again, there’s no obligation to do so.

Octopus Legacy

Estate planning firm Octopus Legacy offers people in England and Wales the chance to write or update their will for free twice a year, in spring (February-March) and autumn (September-October)

Octopus Legacy has partnered with around 150 charities, which will cover the cost of writing or updating a will up to £150. More information is on the Octopus website.  

Charity will-writing schemes

Many charities also run their own year-round will-writing schemes, offering free wills in partnership with local solicitors or professional will-writing services.

The charity will generally cover the cost of a simple will in the hope that you'll leave it a gift – although you don’t have to. If there’s a cause you care about, it’s worth checking whether it has a will-writing scheme.

Here are some charities that can help you make a free will.

Making a will via your trade union or employer

It’s worth checking whether your employer or trade union offers a will-writing service.

For example, Unison, the National Education Union and the Public and Commercial Services Union all partner with solicitors to provide members with a free will-writing service.

Some employers also offer will-writing services as an employee benefit. Speak to your HR department to find out if you could get a free, professionally drafted will through your workplace.

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Should you write your own will for free?

Writing your own will is one way to cut costs, but an entirely DIY approach is suitable only if your will is very simple. It could also leave you with problems that won’t be evident until after your death.

Typical mistakes include leaving out important assets, using vague or ambiguous language (which can cause confusion about your wishes) and not having the will executed properly. 

For more information about the DIY approach, see our guide on how to write a will.