Where can we get a will drawn up for free please?

[Joyfulincolour]

We have just never got round to having a will drawn up. We only want something simple. Are there genuinely any online places that do them for free? Thanks.

You can buy them from the post office - they used to be £1 years ago but not sure what they are now.

You could probably download a template but my advice would be to pm mumblechum on here. She did ours, was reasonable and professional.

You'd be as well writing out your wishes yourself on a bit of plain paper for now, signing it obviously, and witnessed if you can, then plan to have one drawn up by a professional in the future when funds allow.

Apparently dealing with DIY wills earns more money for solicitors than they can charge for doing it properly in the first place.

(No comfort if you really can't afford to do that at the moment!)

If you're in a union, check if they offer that service. I know Unison does.

Some charities in exchange waive the fee in the home of a donation in the will.

Hope, not home.

Oh wow, thanks @superram.
Thanks for info re Post Office - I didn’t know they did them.

Or, there is free will month where many charities will do it for free if you leave them something too. Just googled - October 2020.

Please. Get a professional! As a solicitor dealing with wills every day, I very rarely see a "home-made" will that doesn't throw up some issue or other. There are just so many scenarios which can happen that you would never think of which a solicitor can take you through. And yes exact wording does matter.

And get powers of attorney while you're at it, in case you are in an accident or ill and unable to look after your own affairs.

It boggles my mind that people think this is something upon which to scrimp. Absolute epitome of a false economy. There are a few charity will schemes yes but those COST the charity money (they pay the solicitor on your behalf) so make sure you do leave them a donation if you decide to use them. The charity is not allowed to put any pressure on you but seriously!

AVOID anyone who will do a free will for you such as a bank (they will often appoint themselves as executors and take a chunk from the estate as payment).

I've done a quick online one. I'm sure it won't be perfect, but I'm a HCP who hadn't got round to it at all, so better than nothing. Just in case.

Thanks everyone. Not as simple as I first thought. Will look into it.