Free will month is taking place this October for a second time this year. It allows those aged 55 and over to have a will drafted or updated free of charge.

Why not take advantage of the offer and put your wishes down on paper so that if the worst happens to you, your loved ones will be protected.

Writing a will is one of those things that always ends up on the bottom of our never-ending to-do lists. However, a will can save on inheritance tax and is a legal document that tells everyone how your money, property and possessions (your ‘estate’) should be divided following your death.

Hundreds of solicitors are getting involved with the campaign this October, so if you haven’t yet drafted a will, now may be the time. Visit freewillsmonth.org.uk and type in your postcode to find out the solicitors who are taking part in the campaign in your local area. You can book an appointment directly through the website with a solicitor of your choice.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons why you need to make sure you’ve got a will that fully reflects your wishes.

• Peace of mind for you and for your loved ones - knowing your last wishes are carried out and your estate is protected and distributed as specified by you, undoubtedly brings peace of mind and reassurance that things are handled in the way that you want them to be.
• Make life a little easier for the ones you care about - making and registering a will can save a lot of stress and hassle for your family and friends. If you don’t have a will, your estate is dealt with under what is called ‘intestacy rules’, where the law will decide who inherits what.
• Look after your dependent children – in addition to the financial care, a will allows you to name guardians who can care for your children, should the worst happen to you, while they’re still young.
• You’re not married or in a civil partnership – your partner won’t receive anything if you don’t make a will. They may even have to leave the home you’ve shared together.

Remember, as well as completing a will, you should separately update your nominations to say where you’d like any payments from your pension to go if you die before you claim them. This cannot be covered in your will. To update your nominations, log into your myESPS account.