Will Aid 2025: how to get a solicitor-written will for a small donation

Will Aid is back for 2025. Learn how to get a solicitor-written will in return for a voluntary charity donation and why it could save your family stress and money.

Sorting out a will can feel scary, expensive or something you’ll “do later”. The problem is that later often never comes.

Will Aid is one of the easiest chances each year to get your will done properly without paying the usual solicitor fees.

If money is tight, this could save your family a lot of stress in the future.

What is Will Aid

Will Aid is a charity campaign that runs every November. Dozens of solicitors across the UK give up their usual fees and write wills in exchange for a simple donation to charity.

It means you get proper legal help without paying full price, and charities get support at the same time.

Appointments book up fast, so once November arrives, it’s often first come, first served.

How much it costs

Instead of paying the normal solicitor fee, you’re asked to make a voluntary donation:

• £120 for a single will
• £200 for two mirror wills

The money is split between big UK charities including Shelter, Crisis, Age UK, Christian Aid, NSPCC and the British Red Cross.

To put it into context, a standard solicitor-written will can easily cost £180 to £300 or more, depending on where you live. So the Will Aid donation is usually cheaper, while still giving your family the safety of a legally sound document.

Why it’s worth doing now

If you die without a will, the law chooses who gets your belongings. That can lead to upset, arguments and long delays. Families also sometimes end up paying more in legal fees.

A will means:

• your children are cared for by the people you choose
• your money and belongings go exactly where you want
• your family don’t face extra paperwork at the worst possible time
• your partner is protected, especially if you’re not married

Many people think a will is “for older people”, but anyone with kids, a home, savings or even a pet should have one.

Are there still appointments?

Yes, but they’re going quickly. Some firms were already full by early November, although others still have space. You can also book an appointment after the deadline if you register during November.

Several solicitors now offer phone or video appointments too, so you don’t need to travel or take lots of time off work.

Who Will Aid helps

The money raised supports charities that help people in tough situations, including:

• families facing homelessness
• young people at risk
• older adults who need support
• communities affected by emergencies
• people receiving crisis aid around the world

Since it launched in 1988, Will Aid has helped write over 350,000 wills and raised more than £24 million in donations. Many more millions have also been promised in legacies.

What to prepare before your appointment

To keep things simple, it’s worth noting down a few things first. This helps your solicitor draw up your will faster.

• Who you want to leave things to
• Who will look after your children
• Who you trust to carry out your wishes
• Any charities or friends you want to leave a gift to
• How to split belongings with sentimental value

It’s normal for your plans to change over the years. You can update your will later if life changes.

A quick example

Let’s say you and your partner want mirror wills. You’d normally pay around £300 to £400 for a solicitor.

With Will Aid, you donate £200 to charity instead and still get legal support from a regulated firm.

That’s a clear saving while doing something good.

How to book

Booking is easy.

Visit willaid.org.uk and use the search tool to find participating solicitors near you. If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call 0300 0300 013.

If your local firms are full, try widening the search or choosing a solicitor that offers remote appointments.

Final thoughts

If you’ve been putting off making a will because it feels too pricey or too serious, Will Aid gives you a simple way to get it done without breaking your budget.

It protects your family, supports charities and gives you peace of mind for years.