Free will writing service launched

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin has partnered with Octopus Legacy to provide a new free will writing service.

Octopus Legacy was established in 2017 with a single mission, to make the experience of losing someone simpler for the people left behind.

The simple process of writing your will starts with Octopus Legacy asking you questions to help you work out what you want. They’ll review your needs within 10 working days and then ask you to sign your will to make it legally binding. You can update your will whenever you like, for free in the first year, and only £10 a year after that.

You can secure your will and legally set out your wishes by calling 020 4525 3605 and quoting Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin or by visiting the Octopus Legacy website. You can also use this link if you would prefer to schedule a call or request a call back from Octopus Legacy to discuss this service.

When arranging your will, you have the option to leave a gift to us after their death by using the coupon code AGEUKSTW at the checkout.

The importance of having a will

Writing a will allows you to have control over what happens to your property, money and belongings after you die. However, according to research over half of UK adults (51%) haven’t made a will, and nearly a third (30%) of those over 55 have yet to legally establish their wishes in a will.

It is important to make a will because if you pass away without making one, specific rules apply to your estate, meaning that your possessions and money may not be distributed to the people and causes you care about how you would have wished.

Reasons why we all should make a will

• Control your estate
  Most people, when writing a will, want to make sure their money and possessions are distributed in the way they wish.
• Reduce stress for your next of kin
  After the death of a loved one, the amount of red tape and arrangements to be made can be overwhelming. Writing a will helps alleviate that problem.
• Avoid arguments
  Your family and other beneficiaries will have your wishes clearly laid out, leaving less room for family arguments over who should get what.
• Avoid intestacy rules
  If you die without making a will, your estate will be divided according to set rules rather than your intentions.
• Help reduce your Inheritance Tax
  Planning prior to your death can help reduce the amount of inheritance tax for which your estate is liable.
• Give to your chosen charities
  It's not just people who can benefit from your will but causes close to your heart can too. If you plan to leave a gift to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin in your will, please make sure you include the charity's full name and registered charity number (1090445). Incorrect information may mean your chosen charity doesn't receive the gift.
• Care for your pets
  Your will can include provisions for any pets you have, such as who should look after them.

By leaving a gift to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin in your will you could give older people someone to turn to in years to come. For more information on leaving a gift in your will or using this service, please contact the fundraising team on 01743 233 123 or email fundraising@ageukstw.org.uk

You can also request our free will pack, full of useful information and advice, through our reception team.