Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert, consistently highlights that writing a will is a vital “unpleasant necessity” to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. As of March 2026, the most cost-effective ways to draft a legally binding will in the UK remain through schemes like Will Aid (November) and Free Wills Month (March and October). Without a will, your estate is subject to the laws of intestacy, which can lead to unintended consequences, such as unmarried partners receiving nothing or significant inheritance tax bills. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest 2026 advice on solicitor-led services, online will-writing platforms, and the crucial “gold standard” protections Martin Lewis recommends to avoid family disputes and legal pitfalls. You will learn how to navigate the 2026 Free Wills Month windows, understand the difference between a mirror will and a single will, and discover why a DIY will might cost your family thousands in the long run.
Free Wills Month 2026 Dates
Free Wills Month is one of the most popular ways to get a professionally drafted will without the standard legal fees. In March 2026, the scheme is currently active across various regions in the UK, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. To participate, you must be aged 55 or over, and while the service is free, there is a strong expectation that you will leave a legacy gift to one of the sponsoring charities.
This scheme typically covers “simple” wills. If your estate is complex—involving trusts, overseas properties, or intricate business interests—you may be asked to pay an additional fee for the extra work. It is advisable to book your appointment early in the month, as solicitor slots often fill up within the first few days of the campaign.
Will Aid November 2026 Costs
Will Aid is the second major pillar of affordable will writing in the UK, taking place every November. Unlike Free Wills Month, Will Aid is open to adults of all ages and operates on a voluntary donation basis rather than a mandatory fee. For November 2026, the suggested donation remains £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.
The money raised through these donations supports nine of the UK’s best-known charities, such as ActionAid, Age UK, and Save the Children. Martin Lewis frequently points out that this is a “win-win” scenario: you receive a professionally checked will worth significantly more in market value, and vital charities receive a much-needed funding boost. Registration for the November 2026 window typically opens in September.
Why Avoid DIY Will Kits?
While you can purchase a “DIY will kit” from a high-street stationer for as little as £10, Martin Lewis and legal experts strongly advise against them for most people. A single mistake in the wording or a failure to follow strict witnessing rules can render the entire document invalid. In 2026, the cost of rectifying a botched DIY will through a probate solicitor can easily exceed £5,000, dwarfing any initial savings.
If your circumstances are anything other than extremely simple—for instance, if you have children from a previous marriage or want to exclude a family member—a DIY kit is likely insufficient. The “Gold Standard” remains a will drafted or at least checked by a qualified solicitor who is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This ensures you have access to the Legal Ombudsman if something goes wrong.
Online Will Writing Platforms 2026
For those who do not qualify for free schemes but want to avoid traditional solicitor fees of £300+, online will-writing services have become a highly viable mid-ground in 2026. Platforms like Farewill and Bequeathed offer digital interfaces where you can draft a will in as little as 15 minutes. These services often start at around £90 to £100 and include a review by a legal specialist.
Table of Online Will Services 2026
| Service Provider | Starting Price | Review Included? | Best For |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Farewill | £100 | Yes | Speed and ease of use |
| Bequeathed | £0 (Basic) | Yes | Simple estates with charity focus |
| Co-op Legal | £150 | Yes | Established brand trust |
These platforms are excellent for “standard” families but still carry limitations for high-net-worth individuals. Always check if the service provides “unlimited updates” for a small annual fee, as your circumstances will likely change over the next decade.
Practical Information and Planning
Writing a will requires gathering specific information before you sit down with a solicitor or open an online portal. Being prepared can save you time and potentially lower your legal costs.
- Asset List: Create a comprehensive list of bank accounts, properties, pensions, and valuable personal items (jewelry, art).
- Executors: Decide who will carry out the instructions in your will. Martin Lewis suggests choosing two people, often a family member and a professional (though professionals charge fees).
- Guardians: If you have children under 18, this is the most important section—designating who will care for them.
- Storage: A will is only useful if it can be found. Store it safely and tell your executors where it is. Some services offer a “National Will Register” for a small fee.
Power of Attorney: A Vital Addition
In 2026, Martin Lewis continues to campaign for the importance of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) alongside a will. While a will looks after your assets after you die, an LPA protects you while you are still alive but perhaps unable to make your own decisions due to illness or injury.
There are two types of LPA: Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs. Each costs £82 to register in England and Wales (fees differ in Scotland and NI). Without an LPA, your family might have to apply to the Court of Protection to access your bank accounts to pay for your care, a process that is significantly more expensive and can take over a year to resolve.
FAQs
When is Free Wills Month 2026?
Free Wills Month takes place in March and October 2026. It is available to those aged 55 and over in specific participating regions.
How much does Will Aid cost in 2026?
Will Aid is donation-based; the suggested donation is £100 for a single will and £180 for mirror wills, which goes to charity.
Does Martin Lewis recommend online wills?
He suggests them as a better-than-nothing middle ground for simple estates, but he maintains that a solicitor-checked will is the safest option.
Can I write my own will for free?
You can, but it is risky. Errors in witnessing or phrasing can lead to the will being contested or declared void after your death.
What are “Mirror Wills”?
Mirror wills are two separate documents for couples that are almost identical, typically leaving everything to each other and then to their children.
What happens if I die without a will?
Your estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This usually means your spouse or civil partner gets the first portion, but unmarried partners may get nothing.
Do I need to pay inheritance tax?
In 2026, you generally only pay inheritance tax if your estate is worth over £325,000. This threshold can increase to £500,000 if you leave your home to your children.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every 5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, having a child, or a significant death in the family.
Is a will made online legally binding?
Yes, as long as it is signed and witnessed correctly according to the laws of your specific UK nation.
Who can witness a will?
A witness must be over 18, of sound mind, and not a beneficiary of the will (nor married to a beneficiary). Two witnesses are required.
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