PEOPLE who have been putting off writing or updating their wills are now being given the chance to do so while helping a number of charities.

Will Aid’s Make A Will month this November offers people the opportunity to put their affairs in order, secure their loved ones future and give to charities helping the young, the elderly and whole communities in the UK and overseas.

Stones solicitors in Okehampton is taking part in Will Aid and is inviting people to get in contact to book appointments for November when the company will prepare basic wills without charging the normal fee. All the company asks in return is that clients consider making a voluntary donation to Will Aid. The suggested donation is £95 for a single will or £150 for a pair of mirror wills.

The money raised is shared by nine UK charities that carry out life-changing work in the UK and around the world, namely ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Sightsavers, Save the Children, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

Around a third of the people who die each year do so without a will. These people’s estates are therefore distributed according to a set of rules which cannot adequately cope with modern family circumstances. This can lead to a great deal of stress and uncertainty, as well as financial hardship, for those left behind. Even for those who have a will it is important to keep it up to date. Will Aid’s research shows that almost 60% of people with a will may not have revised it for three years or more. Experts recommend routinely reviewing a will every three to five years and making a new will as soon as significant family changes occur.

Will Aid’s campaign director Peter de Vena Franks said: ‘Will Aid is a fantastic opportunity to get an affordable will with one of our friendly and approachable solicitors. They are generously giving their time without any payment to help people look after their loved ones and, at the same time, to raise funds for very worthwhile causes. This is the perfect opportunity to have a solicitor draw up your will, protect your loved ones and give to charity at the same time. Please book early as solicitors tend to fill their appointments very quickly.’