Free Wills Month

The Free Wills Month campaign works with a group of charities to give people aged 55 and over the chance to have their wills drafted or updated at no cost by solicitors across the UK.

A will lets you choose where your money, assets and property should go to when you die. Having an up-to-date will is one of the ways that you can be sure that people and causes you care about are provided for when you’re gone. It can:

• Prevent family conflict: Having a document that clearly outlines the distribution of your assets could reduce potential disputes among family members.
• Safeguard children: Your will allows you to designate guardians for your children, ensuring they are cared for by trusted individuals.
• Reduce inheritance tax: Effective planning can lower the taxes your estate may owe.
• Allow you to choose an executor: You can choose someone to manage your affairs after your death.
• Simplify probate: A professionally drafted will could enable a quicker and more efficient settlement of your wealth.
• Include digital assets: Your will can also ensure your digital assets, such as online accounts and purchases, are accounted for so that nothing is missed and everything can be distributed the way you want
• Offer peace of mind: Perhaps most importantly, a will provides reassurance to you and your family that some important decisions have been properly considered and documented.

Visit the Free Wills Month website for more information. If you’re not yet eligible for the free will-writing service, you might want to tell someone else about it so they can take advantage of the opportunity.

There could also be benefits payable from the Scheme if you die while a member. You can read more about the Scheme’s death benefits here.

Some of those benefits are payable at the Trustee’s discretion, meaning it’s important for you to complete an Expression of Wish form and keep it up to date. This tells the Trustee who you’d like to receive any lump sum death benefits. You can find a form here, or alternatively update your wishes online by logging in to your Personal Account on MyPru.