Step-by-Step Guide: Write your will with our Free Wills Campaign
At Octopus Legacy, we understand that the idea of writing a will can be daunting. There’s a reason why 4 in 10 of the UK public don’t have a will: it’s a hard conversation to start.
We’re making the process of planning for death more accessible and less of a hassle, and so, making life easier for the people left behind after a loss..
This Autumn, we’re bringing back our Free Wills Campaign, where we partner with charities to support the public to prepare for the worst and to create space for their loved ones to focus on the things that matter after they’re gone.
We’ve compiled a guide to help you make the most of our campaign.
1. Why have a will?
A will, also known as your Last Will & Testament, is a legally binding document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after you pass away and requires the signature of two witnesses to be legally valid.
Whether you're a billionaire or don’t have a nickel to your name, a will can still help save the people you love time, money, and stress after you die. It’s particularly crucial if you:
- Are a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18.
- Are in a relationship but not legally married or in a civil partnership.
- If you’re separated or divorced
- If you’re recently married.
- Own a home.
- Want to ensure your assets go to the people you choose.
2. What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?
Without a will, you die “intestate,” meaning it’s up to the government what happens to all your assets: your house, money, special belongings, as well as who cares for your children if they’re under 18 and even what your funeral will look like. That works for lots of people, but one size doesn’t fit all. Most people want a say in something that is that important.
What’s more, dying without a will costs on average £9,700 and leaves your grieving loved ones with red-tape related headaches when they least need it.
3. So, Why Bother Getting a Will?
Aside from ensuring that your wishes regarding your belongings and loved ones are fulfilled after your death, writing a will isn’t really for you at all. After all, you won’t ever have to use it, instead think of it as a gift for the people you love so that when the time comes, you’ll have made life that much easier for them, giving them space to focus on what really matters.
4. How To Access Your Free Will From The Charity of Your Choice?
Write or update your will for free by clicking HERE or calling 0330 818 7280.
- Choose the charity you want to write your will with: Octopus and the charity cover the cost so you don’t have to.
- Decide how you want to write your will: online, over the phone or in person.
- Follow the simple step-by-step process: tell Octopus Legacy what you have and what you want to happen to it. Share your wishes and plans to make life easier for the people you leave behind.
- Consider including a gift in your will to the charity as a thank you: although this isn’t required to claim your free will offer.
- Octopus Legacy’s legal experts will review everything: to make sure your will is legally sound and your wishes will be reflected after you're gone.
You sign your will and make it official: Octopus Legacy will share your will with you so you can sign it to make it legally binding.
At Octopus Legacy the team knows the difference a plan can make and what it’s like when there isn’t one. That’s why they’re on a mission to make the experience of losing someone easier for those of us left behind.
Sam Grice, our Founder and CEO, lost his mum tragically in a car accident - this experience convinced him that there had to be a better way to help loved ones grieve and help prepare people for end-of-life planning.
"Our Free Wills Month campaign has been a resounding success, demonstrating the power of estate planning to support charitable causes. Witnessing so many individuals take the proactive step of creating a will and leaving a legacy is truly inspiring. This campaign has highlighted the personal and meaningful nature of estate planning, encouraging people to consider not only their families but also the causes they love the most. The last campaign we ran helped raise £12.4 million in estimated legacy income for our charity partners in just 2 months.
For too long estate planning has been inaccessible for the majority of people. By offering free will-writing services, we've been able to reach individuals who may have otherwise overlooked this crucial aspect of their financial planning. The legacy gifts generated through this campaign provide a significant boost to charities that rely on long-term donations to fund vital research and awareness initiatives." - Sam Grice.
Octopus Legacy hosts our own Charity Free Will Campaign (crossing over with Free Wills Month) twice a year in Spring and Autumn. During this time, we collaborate with charity partners and employers nationwide, encouraging people to draft a free will via one of our amazing 87 charities.
For more information, visit this link or call 0330 818 7280.
