Writing a will is one of those jobs that slips down the to-do list. Life gets busy, and it can feel like something to sort out “one day”. But a clear, up-to-date will is one of the simplest ways to protect your loved ones and give yourself real peace of mind.
Will Aid runs throughout November, so now is a good time to act. Whether you are making your first will or checking that an existing one still reflects your wishes, the scheme makes it easier and more affordable to get started.
We’ve put together a full guide covering how Will Aid works and how to take part. Read our Will Aid 2026 guide (PDF) for the complete details.
What Is Will Aid?
Will Aid is a long-running charity campaign. Participating solicitors waive their usual fee for preparing a basic will. Instead, you are invited to make a voluntary donation to charity.
Suggested donations for 2026
- £120 for a single basic will
- £200 for a pair of basic mirror wills
Mirror wills are often used by couples who have similar wishes, such as leaving everything to each other and then to their children.
The donation is voluntary, and the money supports eight charities, including Age UK, British Red Cross, Crisis, NSPCC and Shelter. You do not have to leave a gift to charity in your will to take part.
You can find out more about the scheme at willaid.org.uk.
Why November Is a Good Time to Act
The biggest barrier to making a will is rarely cost or complexity. It is simply getting round to it. Will Aid gives you a clear reason and a set window to finally tick it off.
There are a few practical reasons to act now:
- It is affordable. You pay a voluntary donation rather than a standard solicitor’s fee for a basic will.
- You support good causes. Your donation helps charities that work with children, older people and people facing homelessness or crisis.
- Appointments fill quickly. Participating solicitors have limited availability, so contacting a firm early gives you the best chance of securing a slot.
- It fits with year-end planning. Many people review their finances towards the end of the year. Sorting your will at the same time keeps everything joined up.
Why Making a Will Matters
A will sets out who should receive your money, property and possessions when you die. It also lets you choose your executors, the people responsible for carrying out your wishes. If you have young children, it is where you can name the guardians you would want to care for them.
Without a valid will, your estate is shared out under intestacy rules. These rules follow a fixed order and may not reflect what you would have wanted.
Unmarried couples are especially at risk
In England and Wales, unmarried partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy rules. This applies no matter how long you have lived together or whether you have children together. For cohabiting couples, a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect each other.
Who Should Review Their Will?
Making a will is not a one-off task. A will should keep pace with your life, and arrangements that made sense a few years ago may no longer fit your circumstances.
GOV.UK recommends reviewing your will every five years and after any major life change. If you already have a will, Will Aid is a great opportunity to check it is still right for you.
Key life events that should trigger a review
- Getting married or entering a civil partnership. In England and Wales, this will usually invalidate an existing will, so speak to a solicitor about how it affects you.
- Separating or divorcing. Your wishes for your former partner may have changed significantly.
- Having children or grandchildren. You may want to name guardians or include new family members.
- Moving home. A change in property can affect the value and make-up of your estate.
- Changes to your finances. Receiving an inheritance, building up investments or growing your pension can all change the picture.
- The death of a beneficiary or executor. Your will may need updating to reflect who is still able to benefit or act on your behalf.
If any of these apply to you, it is worth taking a fresh look.
What a Basic Will May and May Not Cover
Will Aid covers the preparation of a basic will. This is ideal for many people, but it is important to understand where the scheme’s limits sit.
What a basic will usually covers
- Naming who will benefit from your estate
- Appointing your executors
- Naming guardians for children under 18
- Leaving specific gifts, such as money or personal items
What may involve extra work and charges
- Setting up trusts
- Lasting powers of attorney
- Assets held overseas
- Detailed inheritance tax advice
Some firms may also pass on the cost of a third-party identity check. Always ask the solicitor to confirm exactly what is included and agree any additional costs before you go ahead.
How to Take Part in Will Aid
Getting started is straightforward:
- Find a participating solicitor. Use the solicitor search on the Will Aid website and enter your postcode. Some firms offer telephone or video appointments if there is no participating solicitor nearby.
- Contact the firm and mention Will Aid. Ask about availability and explain that you would like to make or update your will through the scheme.
- Check what is included. Confirm the scope of the work and agree any extra costs upfront.
- Prepare for your appointment. Think about who you want to benefit, who you would like as executors and any specific gifts. Gather details of your assets and debts, and bring your existing will if you are updating it.
- Arrange your donation. Follow your solicitor’s guidance and donate securely through the Will Aid website.
Your solicitor will talk through your wishes, prepare a draft and explain how to sign and witness the final document correctly.
For a printable version of these steps, read our Will Aid 2026 guide.
Your Will Is Part of Your Wider Financial Plan
A will tells people what should happen to your estate. But the value and shape of that estate depend on the wider financial decisions you make throughout your life. That is why it makes sense to think about your will alongside the rest of your finances, rather than in isolation.
Good estate planning and inheritance planning bring all of these pieces together.
Pensions
Many pensions sit outside your will. Who receives them often depends on the nomination or expression of wish form you have completed with your provider. If those details are out of date, your pension may not go where you intend. Our pension services can help you review your arrangements and track down old schemes.
Savings and investments
Your savings and investments are likely to form a significant part of your estate. Knowing what you hold, where it is held and how it is structured makes life far easier for your executors. A clear investment strategy also helps you grow wealth with your family’s future in mind.
Protection
Life insurance and critical illness cover can provide vital financial support for the people you leave behind. Some policies can also be written in trust, which may help payouts reach your loved ones more quickly. Find out more in our guide to critical illness cover and protecting your family’s future.
Tax planning
Inheritance tax can reduce what your loved ones receive. Making the most of allowances, exemptions and the right structures can help you pass on more of your wealth. Our tax planning and inheritance tax service can help you understand your position and plan ahead.
How Neo Wealth Can Help
Your solicitor will prepare your will. We can help you understand the bigger financial picture behind it.
At Neo Wealth, we take a joined-up approach to financial planning. We look at your pensions, savings, investments, protection and tax position together, so you can see how everything fits. We can also help you identify points worth raising with your solicitor, so you go into your Will Aid appointment feeling prepared.
Financial planning is not a one-off activity. As your life changes, your plan should change too, just like your will.
Book a free consultation
If you would like to review your finances alongside making or updating your will, our team is here to help. You can book a free consultation with no obligation.
You can also reach us directly:
- Phone: 0161 388 8875
- Email: office@neofp.co.uk
Take the First Step This November
If making or updating your will has been on your list for a while, Will Aid is the perfect prompt to finally get it done. A little planning now can make a real difference to the people you care about, and support some brilliant charities at the same time.
Read our full Will Aid 2026 guide (PDF), explore the scheme at willaid.org.uk, and when you are ready to look at your wider financial plans, get in touch with the Neo Wealth team.