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Free Will Service

Write or update your Will with our Free Will Service

Writing your Will doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.

We’re pleased to offer a limited number of places on our Free Will Service, in partnership with Octopus Legacy.

If you live in England or Wales, you can register your interest in the service by completing our short Expression of Interest form. As places are limited, they are allocated on a first come first served basis. A member of our team will contact you with details of how to access the free wills.

The service is available for simple Wills, with the cost covered by us up to £150. You may also be able to access a Will with a trust at a discounted rate, depending on your circumstances.

How does the Free Will Service work?

If you’d like to take part, simply email us with the details specified in the Expression of Interest section below.

As we have a limited number of places available, we’ll review expressions of interest and contact people with further details on how to access the service.

Once you’ve been invited to take part, Octopus Legacy can help you find the right option for your needs. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to write your Will:

  • Online
  • Over the phone or by video call
  • In person, including a home visit or office appointment where available

FAQ

Can I make an online Will?

Yes. If you’re offered a place on the service, you may be able to make your Will online through Octopus Legacy.

Writing your Will online can save you time and make the process straightforward. Octopus Legacy’s online Will service was created by a solicitor and legal team, and your Will is checked by their expert legal team before you sign it.

Support is also available if you need help during the process.

Can I write an online Will without a solicitor?

Yes. You can make a Will online without speaking directly to a solicitor, and an online Will can be legally valid when it is correctly completed, signed and witnessed.

Octopus Legacy’s online Will service was built by a solicitor and expert legal team. You provide your details and wishes through the online process, with legal support available if you need it.

What if I need to update my online Will?

Your Will should reflect your current circumstances and wishes, so you may need to update it as your life changes.

With the Octopus Legacy online Will service, you can update your Will when needed. Updates are free for the first year and are currently £10 per year thereafter. You can opt out of this service at any time.

When you make an amendment, Octopus Legacy will provide an updated version for you to sign and have witnessed.

Can I get help printing my online Will?

Yes. You can print your Will at home once it has been completed.

If you don’t have access to a printer, Octopus Legacy also offers a print-and-post service for £9.99. You’ll be given the option at the end of the process.

Why am I seeing a £50 charge?

Octopus Legacy may offer additional services alongside your Will.

For example, you may be offered the option to add a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for £50, normally £120. This is an optional service and is not required to complete your Will.

If you don’t want an LPA, you can remove it from your order.

What if I have a complex estate?

A simple Will may not be suitable for everyone.

If you have a larger or more complicated estate, for example if you have significant assets, trusts or more complex family circumstances, you may need additional legal advice.

If this applies to you, Octopus Legacy’s Wills team can discuss your circumstances and explain the options available.

If additional work is needed, you’ll receive a no-obligation quote for any extra costs before deciding whether to proceed.

Can I speak directly to a Will writer or solicitor?

Yes. If you’re offered a place on the service and would prefer to speak to someone rather than make your Will online, Octopus Legacy can discuss your requirements and arrange an appointment where appropriate.

Appointments may be available:

  • Over the phone
  • By video call
  • Through a home visit
  • In an office, depending on location and availability

Is the Will free if I speak directly to a Will writer or solicitor?

A simple Will may still be covered by our Free Will Service when you use Octopus Legacy’s phone or face-to-face service, provided you have been offered a place through the service.

If your circumstances mean that additional legal work is required, you’ll receive a no-obligation quote for any additional costs. You can then decide whether you want to proceed.

Why is the Will free?

We’ve partnered with Octopus Legacy to make it easier for our supporters to get their Will sorted and to consider leaving a gift to support the causes they care about.

Gifts in Wills can make a huge difference to charities like Age UK Waltham Forest, helping us continue to make a difference for older people in our local community.

We know that writing a Will can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we want to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.

We cover the cost of eligible simple Wills through this service, up to £150.

There is absolutely no obligation to leave a gift to Age UK Waltham Forest in your Will in order to use the service.

As places are limited, we are asking people to register their interest before being given access to the service.

What’s the difference between an online Will and a DIY Will kit?

DIY Will kits can be bought from places such as Post Offices and stationery shops. They provide a basic guide to writing a Will yourself and can be legally binding if completed correctly and signed and witnessed in accordance with the law.

However, DIY Will kits aren’t suitable for everyone.

Online Will-writing services can provide a more guided experience, with easy-to-use tools and support available throughout the process. With Octopus Legacy, your Will is reviewed by a Will expert before you sign it, helping to reduce the risk of mistakes that could affect its validity.

You can find out more about DIY Will kits and the different options available from Octopus Legacy.

Free Will Service – Expression of Interest

Thank you for your interest in our Free Will Service.

We currently have a limited number of places available.

If you’d like to be considered for the service, please email info@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk with the following details:

  • Name
  • Email Address
  • Postcode
  • Have you previously used services from Age UK Waltham Forest?
  • Would you be interested in finding out more about leaving a gift in your Will to support our work?

We’ll review expressions of interest and, if a place is available and the service is suitable for you, a member of our team will contact you with details of how to access the service.

Please note: This does not guarantee a place on the Free Will Service.

What happens next?

Once you’ve submitted your Expression of Interest, we’ll review your details.

As places are limited, we may not be able to offer everyone a place on the service. If you are offered a place, a member of our team will contact you with the next steps and information on how to access the Free Will Service.

There is no obligation to leave a gift to Age UK Waltham Forest in your Will if you take part in the service.

Contact Age UK Waltham Forest

Phone: 020 8558 5512

Email: info@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk

Office Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm.