Solicitors show support for hospice with ‘Make a Will’ scheme

Solicitors and will writers from across the West Midlands are supporting a local hospice’s ‘Make a Will’ month this autumn, by offering people a cheaper way to sort out their will.

From Monday 7 to Thursday 31 October, a number of firms will be waiving their usual will writing fees and instead asking people to make a charitable donation to Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.

It is currently estimated that two thirds of UK adults don’t have a will in place, so the initiative is aiming to encourage more people to get the document sorted by reducing costs and allowing them to support the work of the hospice.

Suggested donations are £100 for a single will, which typically cost £185, or £125 for a joint will, which normally costs £225. For wills requiring more specialist advice, the solicitors will agree a fee in advance.

All donations will go towards the hospice, which supports local people to live well with life-limiting illness.

Katy O’Sullivan, senior individual giving and legacy manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Writing a will is essential in making sure that your last wishes are respected and that the people you love will be provided for. So many people avoid sorting it out because they think they have ‘nothing valuable to leave’ but making a will isn’t just about leaving valuables, it’s about making a difficult and upsetting time that little bit easier for your loved ones.

“Taking part in Make a Will month is a really simple and inexpensive way for people to get this vital document sorted, whilst also allowing them to show their support for our charity. Thank you to all the generous firms who have signed up to support the initiative so far – it’s fantastic to see so many of you give up your time for free to help raise much-needed funds for the hospice.”