October marks Free Wills Month, a nationwide campaign giving people aged 55 and over the chance to have a simple will written or updated for free.

Jim Emsley, Founder of ELM Legal Services, is urging people to seize the opportunity before it passes, warning that the cost of delay is often far greater than the cost of action.

Putting it off comes at a price

Emsley said, “Every week I meet families who are dealing with the fallout of a loved one dying without a will. The heartache and conflict it creates is enormous, and all because someone kept putting it off. Free Wills Month is a golden opportunity to protect your wishes, your family and your legacy at no cost. My message is simple: don’t wait, do it now.”

Why a will matters

  • Certainty for your family: Without a will, intestacy rules decide how your estate is divided, which may not reflect your wishes.
  • Control over your legacy: You decide who inherits, who carries out your wishes and, if relevant, who cares for dependants.
  • A chance to update: Life changes—marriage, divorce, children, new property—can all make old wills out of date.
  • Peace of mind: Once your wishes are written down, the worry disappears.

A limited offer

Free Wills Month is open to people aged 55 and over through participating charities and solicitors. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, which means many who delay could miss out.

Emsley added, “It’s a brilliant scheme but it fills up fast. If you qualify, act straight away. If you don’t, or if your affairs are more complex, that’s where we at ELM can step in with clear, straightforward advice and a tailored will. What matters most is that you act while you can still make your own choices.”

How ELM Legal Services helps

Based in Bristol, ELM Legal Services has supported over 45,000 families across England and Wales with will writing and estate planning. The team offers:

  • Bespoke will drafting for both simple and complex estates
  • Guidance on trusts, lasting powers of attorney and inheritance planning
  • Secure storage and ongoing updates to keep wills current

What to do next

If you need more than a simple will, or want personal guidance, contact ELM Legal Services direct at www.elm-online.co.uk.