October Will Month: get a Will at no cost to you
QualitySolicitors firms across the country are waiving their fee for Wills for customers aged over 55 years as part of an award-winning Will Scheme partnership with Barnardo’s.
The exclusive partnership means those who do not already have one in place can have a simple Will professionally written that captures everything from final wishes and organ donation preferences, to basic inheritance and tax planning, at no cost to them.
In return, those taking advantage of the offer will be asked to consider leaving a legacy gift in their Will to Barnardo’s. The scheme has already seen over 3,400 people take part and a huge £16.7m pledged in future legacy income for vulnerable and disadvantaged children throughout the UK since it began in 2010. The money goes towards research and services for young people and families who have a disability or who have experienced poverty, sexual exploitation or domestic violence.
QualitySolicitors Operations and Marketing Director, David Pope welcomed the continued partnership.
“We’re now in our eighth year of partnership with Barnardo’s, which speaks to the success of the Will Scheme and our belief in helping the community,” Mr Pope said.
“We have a number of QualitySolicitors partner firms across the country offering over 55s professionally drafted Wills at no cost to them – this is not only a direct benefit to the people taking up the offer, but this in turn will feed into the success of the support Barnardo’s provides.”
Barnardo’s Senior Will Scheme Client Relationship Manager, Sue Westbury said the partnership with QualitySolicitors is invaluable.
“The support and engagement from participating member firms continues to result in very significant numbers of pledges which will help us to plan for the future,” Ms Westbury said.
“Barnardo’s currently has three strategic aims – to build stronger families, to make safer childhoods, and to ensure positive futures for the children, young people, carers and families that we work with. We currently operate 1067 services across the UK helping over 301,000 people, and this wouldn’t be possible without the legacy income that we currently receive.
“Barnardo’s would like to say a huge thank you to QualitySolicitors Head Office and all the member firms who participate in the scheme.”
Previous research by YouGov has shown that around 60 per cent of adults in the UK do not have a Will, with a fifth of people saying they are not wealthy enough to need one. The Citizens Advice service also reported a rise in the number of enquiries about people who have died without making a Will.
“Regardless of your financial situation, there are a number of benefits that come with having a professionally drafted Will,” Mr Pope added.
“You will have complete choice and control over what happens to you when you pass, as well as how your estate is handled and distributed. The rules of intestacy will apply without a valid Will, meaning you have no say and your loved ones could be left out.
“We’re excited to be involved with Will Month again, giving people the opportunity to protect their interests indefinitely and potentially leave a lasting impact for disadvantaged youth too.”
The law surrounding estate planning and administration is complex and there are risks involved in having a Will that is not properly drafted, signed or witnessed. Using a solicitor reduces these risks and gives people reassurance that they will be protected if something does go wrong.
By taking advantage of October Will Month, people aged over 55 years can save up to £200 plus VAT for a professionally written single Will or up to £295 for a mirror Will. To take part, find your nearest participating QualitySolicitors firm by calling 0808 250 3834, using the contact form on our website or visiting qualitysolicitors.com.