Make a will month - Leeds Womens Aid

Make a Will Month 2025

This April, we are partnering with two local, independent solicitors who have generously waived their fees, offering you the opportunity to write a basic will* for a suggested donation of £100, or a pair of basic mirror wills* for a suggested donation of £200.

How Do I Take Part?

Step 1: Complete the registration form below, indicating your preferred solicitor. We’ll send you confirmation of your registration.
Step 2: Contact your chosen solicitor to book an appointment in April, quoting ‘Leeds Women’s Aid Make a Will Month’.
Step 3: Attend your will-writing appointment with your solicitor, bringing along your proof of registration.

A Gift in Your Will – Leaving a Legacy

Once you’ve outlined your wishes and secured the future of those you care about most, you may wish to consider leaving a gift in your Will to support Leeds Women’s Aid. There is no obligation to do so, but a gift in your Will can help us continue providing safe havens and essential support services to those in need. Your solicitor can provide expert advice on how to include this in your will.
*The solicitors taking part in the scheme are waiving their fees for simple Wills. If yours is more complex there may also be an additional fee to pay them. Your solicitor will be able to advise you of this – please discuss this with them when you make your appointment

About the Solicitors

Oakwood Solicitors

Oakwood Solicitors is a multi-service law firm based in the heart of Oakwood, North Leeds.
As a firm, Oakwood Solicitors specialise in most areas related to Wills and Probate including will writing, trusts, inheritance tax planning, intestacy, power of attorney, and estate administration. As part of our Make a Will Month, they can offer face-to-face appointments at their Oakwood branch or arrange Will writing via email or post.
For more information please see the website: https://www.oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk/
Princes House
635 Roundhay Road
 Leeds
LS8 4BA
0113 200 9720

Avery Walters Solicitors

Avery Walters Solicitors is an independent, family-run firm, providing an approachable, professional, and collaborative service to all. As part of our Make a Will Month, Avery Walters is offering the option to arrange Will writing in person at their Chapel Allerton branch or via Zoom.
For more information please see the website: https://www.averywalters.com/
27 Harrogate Road
Chapel Allerton
Leeds
LS7 3PD
0113 200 7480

Sign Up Form

FAQs and Myth-busting

FAQs

What does a basic Will cover?

A basic Will covers the appointment of executors and trustees (the people responsible for administering your estate and carrying out your wishes), your funeral wishes, appointment of guardians for children, specific gifts and legacies (up to five) and dealing with the residue of your estate. Should you wish to incorporate more gifts or require a more complex Will, this can be quoted separately and in addition to the scheme.

Can my partner and I make Mirror Wills?

Absolutely, yes! Mirror Wills can be drafted for any couple whether they are cohabitees, spouses, civil partners or even siblings.

How much does it usually cost to make a basic Will?

Our usual costs for a single basic Will is £250 + VAT (£300) or for a pair of basic mirror Wills is £425 + VAT (£510)

What should I expect at my Will appointment?

At your appointment you will be guided through a questionnaire to capture information about you, your family tree and circumstances, estate make up and what you wish to happen on your passing to your estate. You will be able to ask any questions you like and will be advised on any points to further consider, missing information and advised on what type of Will would suit you best. At the end of this meeting, you will be advised as to the next steps to move forward with your Will and asked for ID.

Can I create my Will online or over the phone?

We can facilitate some appointments over zoom/teams but would need to be satisfied as to your capacity to put in place a Will and that you are not being influenced in any way. Ideally, we prefer to see you face to face to discuss this sensitive topic.

I’m not wealthy – do I still need a Will?

Absolutely! You may need a Will to appoint guardians for any minor children, control who will be appointed to deal with your estate and benefit from your assets and belongings or to specify your funeral wishes. You may also require a Will if you are cohabiting or in a relationship and wish to incorporate your partner or if you have stepchildren.

I don’t have a partner or children – do I still need a Will?

Absolutely! You may need a Will to control who will be appointed to deal with your estate and benefit from your assets and belongings or to specify your funeral wishes. You may wish to stipulate that your money passes to your favourite charities which cannot be achieved if you do not have a Will.

What happens if I want to change my Will?

If you want to change your Will please simply call us on 0113 2007480 to discuss these changes and we can advise you on the next steps.

Can I leave a gift to a charity in my Will?

Yes you can! You can either leave a specific legacy to a charity which is a set sum of money or you can leave a proportion of your residuary estate. All money left to charity is exempt from inheritance tax.

What happens if the charity I leave a gift to no longer exists when I pass away?

If you Will is appropriately drafted (which it would be if we draft it for you!) then the funds left to charity could be applied and used to benefit a similar charity under what is known as the ‘Cy-près provision’. This is French for ‘as near as possible’.

Common Misconceptions/Myth-Busting

You only need a will if you’re wealthy

False! A Will can protect and provide for a partner or cohabitee, stepchildren and others such as charity. It allows you to control who carries out the administration, names guardians for your children and allows you to stipulate any funeral wishes.

Only older people need a Will

False! Wills are very popular with younger clients with young children who want to protect them as far as possible. It may be necessary to incorporate trusts if you have any vulnerable beneficiaries who have a disability.

It’s too complicated and time consuming to write a Will

False! Writing a Will can be relatively inexpensive, painless and quick to do.

If I don’t have anyone to leave my estate to, I don’t need a Will

False! Even if you do not have family or close friends you may wish to direct your estate to chosen charities.

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