By writing a Will, you have control over what happens to your estate. If you die without having written a Will, you will have died ‘intestate’ and the law will decide what happens to your estate. This can be upsetting and costly for your loved ones. Here are a few reasons you should consider writing a Will sooner rather than later: 

– A Will gives you control of your estate, and helps prevent unnecessary stress on your loved ones after you have died. 
– A Will ensures that your loved ones and pets are cared for after you die. 
– A Will helps manage and protect your Digital Legacy, which is your online presence such as social media accounts, online bank accounts, and digital photos. 
– Leaving a gift in your Will to a charity could help minimise the amount of inheritance tax you might need to pay, and means that you can make a lasting impact to a cause that means a lot to you. 

The cost of writing a Will with a solicitor varies depending on the type of Will and the solicitor you choose. The average cost for a solicitors Will is as follows: 
 
– Single Will: £250 – £500 

– Mirror Will: £500 – £1000 

– Codicil (an update to a Will): £100 – 200 

Alternatively, you can write your Will for free using Farewill, our online Will writing partner or take part in our annual scheme, Make a Will Fortnight.

Yes, you can write your Will for free online. We have teamed up with Farewill who offer both online and phone Will writing appointments.  

Farewill work with hundreds of charities across the UK, and have a team of specialists available 7 days a week. 

Click here to start writing your Will with Farewill. 

Ideally, you should update your Will after a big life event or milestone; such as having a child, buying a house, or getting married. 

To make minor amends to your Will, such as changing your executor, updating guardians for your children, or adding or amending a charitable gift, you can make a ‘Codicil’. A Codicil is a separate legal document, and must be witnessed and signed in the same way as a Will.

You can leave a share of your estate (the term used for everything you own and possess), a fixed sum of money, or a specific item. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, as this naturally keeps pace with inflation while ensuring loved ones are provided for first. 

Writing your Will is extremely personal and it’s completely up to you if you would like to share your intentions with us.  

If you do wish to tell us your plans, it will allow us to thank you for your generosity, and we can invite you to any future legacy events. You will also receive ‘The Benefactor’, our legacy newsletter which will give you updates about the hospice. 

Our Make a Will Fortnight event is where local solicitors donate Will writing appointments, and they will waive their usual fee so that you can donate the money to St Wilfrid’s instead. 

This event runs every March, and appointments fill up very quickly. Find out more here. 

If you would like to speak to someone about leaving a gift in their Will to St Wilfrid’s Hospice, please contact Bryan Robinson on fundraising@stwh.co.uk, or call 01243 775302.