Free or Cheap Wills: How to Secure Your Wishes Affordably

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your assets and wishes are respected after your death. Yet, many people in the UK avoid it—often because they think it’s expensive or complicated. The good news is that there are several ways to write a legally valid will for free or at a very low cost.

This guide explains how to access free or cheap will services, who qualifies, the pros and cons, and how to make sure your will is valid and secure.

Why You Need a Will

Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. This could mean:

• Loved ones missing out

• Unmarried partners receiving nothing

• Inheritance disputes

• Higher Inheritance Tax liability

Writing a will gives you control over:

• Who inherits your money, property, and possessions

• Who cares for your children

• Funeral preferences

• Charitable donations

Free Wills Through Charities

Many UK charities offer a free will-writing service, either during specific campaigns or year-round. In return, they may ask you to consider leaving a small donation or legacy gift in your will. You’re under no obligation to do so.

Here are some charities that offer this service:

Visit Cancer Research UK’s Free Wills for more details.

Free Wills Month and Will Aid

Twice a year, UK adults over 55 can access Free Wills Month, a campaign that connects people with local solicitors who will write simple wills for free. Spaces are limited and demand is high.

Will Aid is another well-known campaign running every November. Participating solicitors offer will-writing services for free, requesting a voluntary donation to one of nine partner charities instead.

Learn more or register for updates at Free Wills Month or Will Aid.

Low-Cost Online Will Services

If you don’t qualify for a free service, online will-writing platforms are a very affordable alternative. These services typically cost between £20 and £100, depending on complexity.

Note: Always check that the service complies with UK law and that your will is legally valid.

Can You Write Your Own Will?

Yes. It’s legally acceptable in the UK to write your own will—known as a DIY will—as long as it meets certain criteria:

• Must be in writing

• Signed by the testator (you)

• Witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries

However, DIY wills are best suited for simple estates. If your circumstances involve:

• Property abroad

• Business ownership

• Children from previous relationships

• Large or complex assets

…it’s better to use a solicitor or a regulated will-writing service.

Who Should Avoid Free or DIY Wills?

While free and DIY wills are suitable for many, they might not be ideal if you:

• Have a high-value estate and need tax planning

• Have dependent children with complex needs

• Own overseas assets or trusts

• Want to exclude close family members (this can be challenged)

In such cases, paying a solicitor may help avoid costly legal disputes in the future.

How to Ensure Your Will Is Valid

Writing a will is just one step. Ensuring it’s valid and up-to-date is equally important. Here’s how:

• Store your will in a safe place and inform your executor

• Register your will with the National Will Register (optional but recommended)

• Review your will every 3–5 years or after major life changes (e.g. marriage, divorce, new children)

• Ensure your witnesses are not beneficiaries

For guidance, check Gov.uk’s will-writing rules.

Is a Free Will Really Free?

In most cases, yes—but there are often caveats:

• Charity schemes may ask for a legacy gift

• Free online services might try to upsell legal reviews or storage

• Campaign-based offers are often limited and may not cover complex situations

Always read the fine print and ensure you’re comfortable with the provider.

Alternatives to a Traditional Will

Some people look for simpler ways to pass on specific assets. These don’t replace a full will but can help with basic estate planning:

• Joint ownership: Assets pass automatically to the surviving owner

• Death-in-service benefits: Often handled via pension nomination

• Payable-on-death accounts: Some banks allow beneficiaries to be named directly

Still, having a comprehensive will is the safest route to ensuring your wishes are respected.

Conclusion

Writing a will doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. From charity-funded wills to low-cost online options, there are plenty of accessible ways to secure your future and protect your loved ones.

If your situation is simple, a free will service or affordable online platform may be ideal. For more complex circumstances, it may be worth investing in a solicitor to ensure everything is handled correctly.

To start planning today, consider registering for the next Free Wills Month or reviewing low-cost providers like Farewill or Beyond.

Let your wishes be known—before it’s too late.