Oxfam has partnered with trusted providers to offer a free Will writing service.
You may have seen me write previously about Free Wills Month, which brings together a group of well-respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their simple Wills written or updated free of charge by using participating solicitors in locations across England, Scotland and Wales, but did you know that Oxfam offers a free will writing service all year round?
Oxfam’s free Will writing service is an exclusive opportunity to write or update your standard single or mirror Will for free. Oxfam partners with Will-writing providers to give expert advice, ensuring your final wishes and loved ones are well looked after.
The process is pretty simple:
You choose one of the three services Oxfam offer: - At-home appointment - Over the phone - With a local participating solicitor
Start your free Will - select your chosen option and provide your contact details.
A representative of Oxfam's Will writing partner will contact you and assist you in creating your Will within the next three weeks.
If you choose the solicitor route, You'll be sent a personalised list of local participating solicitors to contact. Details of taking advantage of the free service with them will be included.
If you live in England and Wales, all three services are available. If you live in Scotland, the only available service is the local solicitor option. If you live in Northern Ireland, you can access Oxfam Ireland’s free Will writing service.
Once you’ve made key decisions about where you want your money and belongings to go, Oxfam's Will writing service is relatively easy. For help getting your affairs in order, download Oxfam's free Will Planner.
To find out the step-by-step process of the Free Will service, download the free Gifts in Wills Guide or request a postal version.
My first thought was that you'd need to leave a gift to Oxfam in your will; however, that's not the case; while there’s no obligation to leave Oxfam a gift, 65% of people do choose to, as a thank you for the free will and to help support Oxfam's ongoing services.
The free-will writing service is an ongoing service with no end date, and not only can you use the service to write a new will, but they also help you update a current one should your circumstances change. Remember to update your will every few years, or when circumstances change, there is many a story of a will not being updated after a relationship split, the will not being updated, and the partner inheriting the estate, which wasn't the plan!
Wills aren't just for the older generation!
Getting a will when you're younger is a responsible decision that can provide several important benefits. Here are a few reasons why it's advisable to create a will at a younger age:
Ensuring Your Wishes Are Followed: A will allows you to specify how you want your assets and belongings to be distributed after your passing. By creating a will, you have control over who inherits your property, which can be particularly important if you have specific wishes or want to provide for loved ones who may not be your legal heirs.
Guardianship of Minor Children: If you have children who are minors, a will enables you to appoint a guardian of your choice to care for them in the event of your death. Without a will, the court will decide who becomes the guardian, and their decision may not align with your wishes.
Minimising Conflict and Disputes: A well-drafted will can help minimise conflicts among your family members and loved ones after your passing. By clearly outlining your intentions, you reduce the likelihood of disputes and potential legal battles over your estate.
Protecting Unmarried Partners and Stepchildren: If you're in a committed but unmarried relationship or have stepchildren, they may not automatically inherit from you. Creating a will allows you to provide for these individuals and ensure they receive a share of your estate.
Peace of Mind: Having a will in place brings peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your wishes will be carried out. It also relieves the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time, as they won't have to make challenging decisions on your behalf.
While it's true that wills can be updated throughout your lifetime to reflect changing circumstances, creating one when you're younger establishes a foundation for your estate planning and provides protection for both yourself and your loved ones.