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If you’re aged 55 or over, this October you can make or update your will free of charge.

New research from Canada Life shows that over 50% of UK adults have not written a will, and nearly 30% of those over 55 do not have a will.

The top reason people don’t make a will is they think that they don’t have enough assets, like property, or wealth to justify creating one.

But it’s so important to make or update your will, no matter what assets you have. If you have a will:

• Your possessions, property and money will be shared according to your wishes, rather than legal rules.

• You may reduce stress, disputes and legal complications for your loved ones who may be dealing with your death.

• You may reduce the amount of tax payable on inheritance if a will is made.

Make or update your will for free

If you’re aged 55 or over, you can make or update your will free of charge from 1-31 October.

Free Wills Month runs from 1-31 October, and hundreds of solicitors are getting involved with the campaign, led by a group of charities.

How to get a free will

Simply book an appointment with one of the solicitors who are taking part in the Free Wills Month campaign.

To find a list of the solicitors taking part in your local area, enter your postcode at freewillsmonth.org.uk. You can then book an appointment with a solicitor of your choice directly through the website.

The solicitor will help write a will that reflects your wishes, and your partner’s if you have one. Appointments are limited, so it’s best to book yours as soon as possible.  

Railways Benefit Fund (RBF) is also providing a free will writing service specifically for the rail industry during Free Wills Month. The service, sponsored by RPS’ scheme administrator, Railpen, is available to both current and retired railway workers and their families. It is run in partnership with Bequeathed and gives users the option to create their will online or over the phone. Both services will provide a consultation with a solicitor to finalise the will. Visit bequeathed.org/rbf or railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/news/make-a-will-month for more information. 

If you’re under age 55

You may be able to make or update your will free of charge, all year round with the National Free Wills Network. Visit nationalfreewills.net for more information. 

Remember, your RPS pension isn’t covered by your will – make your nominations

Your will does not cover any death benefits payable from your Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) pension.

You should separately update your nominations in your myRPS account to tell the Trustee where you’d like any lump sum death benefits from your pension to go if you die before you claim them. It’s quick and easy to do this in the ‘My Pension’ section, under ‘My Nominations’.

Or you can complete and return a paper copy of the nomination form.

It’s important to keep your nominations up to date to make sure your wishes are followed.

Who benefits from your pension, and exactly what they get is based on the Scheme rules and the decisions of the Trustee. The Trustee considers your will and nominations during the decision making process. You can learn more about how RPS death benefits work on the dedicated Reporting a member’s death page.

Need more advice?

If you’re thinking about making or updating your will, you may benefit from taking financial advice or guidance. You can find a list of trusted financial advisers and experts in the Guidance and advice area.

There’s also a step-by-step guide to help you make a will at MoneyHelper.org.uk