For over 25 years, Will Aid has been bridging the gap between solicitors and charities in order to encourage people across the UK to write a will, as well as leave a legacy that will have a positive impact on current and future generations.
Since its launch, Will Aid has been the driving force behind 245,000 wills being written and has raised in excess of £17 million so far from charitable donations given as a result of the scheme.
During the last campaign in November 2014, more than 1,200 law firms became a part of the scheme. It’s estimated that around 20,000 people were able to use the Will Aid solicitors to help write their wills over that month. Although the scheme officially runs only throughout the month of November, the work generated lasts throughout the year and the latest figures show the total donation amount to the nine selected charities will be in the region of £2 million.
According to Will Aid, many of the firms who are involved in the scheme find that the clients they gain through the scheme go on to use their services again in the future.
The funds donated are generated by the testators offering donations instead of paying for the legal services. In addition, this way of writing wills has inspired testators to leave legacies to the nine Will Aid charities, or another organisation that’s close to their hearts. These additional donations have resulted in a further £6 million worth of bequeathments that will be divided amongst the charities. The estimated total of Will Aid legacies that have been created since launch is over £115 million.
Similarly to The Law Society’s Use a Professional. Use a Solicitor campaign, Will Aid believes strongly in using a qualified solicitor for will writing. This is why the organisation only uses solicitors as part of the campaign, so consumers can be assured of the quality of service and advice they will receive. In addition, all those who write their will through Will Aid will be offered free registration through Certainty — giving further security.
Will Aid is always seeking more law firms and solicitors to get involved in future campaigns. Registrations for the November 2015 campaign are now open to all those looking to take part.
To register for this year’s Will Aid campaign, please call 0300 0300013 or email enquiries@willaid.org.uk. For more information, please visit the Will Aid website.
