Will Aid launches in Warwickshire for 2018

A national initiative which sees legal firms write wills for people in exchange for a charitable donation has officially launched in Warwickshire for 2018.

Will Aid, which was recently endorsed by Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis, is calling on solicitors across Warwickshire to sign up their time to help people prepare this important piece of paperwork.

Organisers are also urging anyone who would like to write a will through Will Aid in November to make their appointments as soon as possible, as slots are filling up fast. 

Will Aid, which takes place across the country between 01 – 30 November, and which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is calling on firms across the region to give up some of their time in return for a donation which is then split between nine of the UK’s best- loved charities.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: “The three Ds–death, divorce and dementia –are things none of us want to think about. Yet if you’re reading this you’re likely old enough to know life isn’t always happy and hassle free.

“A will is a legal document that lets you set out what you want to happen to your finances and assets when you die. Without one, your affairs can be in limbo for years.

“This is especially important if you live with your partner but aren’t married or in a civil partnership as common law rights don’t exist. If you die, your partner may not get the house – even if you’ve been together a long time.

“Equally, if you are married and have children from a previous marriage – your kids may miss out, as it’s the intestacy laws that dictate how your money is disbursed.”

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid said: “I’m also urging people to log onto the Will Aid website to find participating solicitors in their area and make their appointment now, as available slots are being snapped up. Having a will is one of the most important, yet easiest things to tick off the to-do list and our charities benefit as a result. We need more solicitors to sign up to be part of the scheme and help local people write a will, as well as helping us make the 30th anniversary the best yet in terms of money raised.”

Johns Gilbert & Frankton LLP, based in Rugby, were the highest donating firm in this area in 2017. They have signed up for their sixth campaign.

More than half of English adults are following in the footsteps of the late music legends Aretha Franklin and Prince in having made no will, a recent survey by Will Aid revealed.

The study found that 53% of adults have not prepared this vital piece of paperwork, up from 51% in 2017.

James Tarleton, Chair of Will Aid said: “2018 marks 30 years since the start of Will Aid and this year’s statistics show that, even after three decades, there is still a need for this campaign and to encourage more people to make their will.  

“Not only does making your will through Will Aid provide peace of mind, by using a professional solicitor, but the nine partner charities use the donations and legacies from will makers to reach people in crisis, both here in the UK and all around the world.

 “As well as making a donation, many people who make their wills through Will Aid, use this opportunity to provide support to their favourite charities through a gift in their will. These legacies make a great difference and we are very thankful for those who choose to support our work in this way.”

As well as helping people to protect their loved ones by writing a will, Will Aid really does transform the lives of thousands of people whose lives are characterised by deprivation, isolation and poverty.  

The suggested donation for your basic Will Aid will is £95 for a single will and £150 for a pair of mirror wills.

Those who wish to book a will can make their November appointments from September onwards via our website or by calling us on 0300 0309 558.

Last year Will Aid raised more than £1.1 million for its charity partners – ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

To book your appointment and for more information visit www.willaid.org.uk