How to write your Will while supporting vital charities
Buchanan & Co Solicitors provides Will writing services in partnership with Cancer Research UK, The Alzheimer’s Society and the Stroke Association. These charitable schemes subsidise the cost of a straightforward Will, allowing individuals to protect their families while leaving a legacy gift that funds life-saving research and vital community support.
Planning for the future often feels daunting, leading many adults to delay putting their legal affairs in order. Creating a legally binding document that dictates how your assets should be distributed is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your loved ones. Without it, your estate falls under strict intestacy rules, which might not align with your personal wishes.
One of the main barriers preventing people from sorting out their affairs is the perceived expense. Many people wonder, “How much does making a Will cost?” and assume the fees will be excessively high. Fortunately, charity Wills offer an accessible solution. These initiatives allow you to secure your family’s future financially, while also providing a unique opportunity to support causes close to your heart.
How do charity Wills work with Buchanan & Co Solicitors?
Charitable partnerships are designed to remove financial obstacles from the legal planning process. Through these initiatives, specific charities subsidise the legal fees for drafting a standard Will. In return, participants are encouraged, though not legally obligated, to leave a legacy gift to the sponsoring organisation.
What is the Cancer Research UK Will service?
Since 2000, Buchanan & Co Solicitors has been an official partner of the Cancer Research free wills initiative. This service allows anyone aged 18 or over to have a simple Will professionally written or updated at no direct cost to themselves, as Cancer Research UK subsidises the bill.
The impact of this partnership has been substantial. Over the past two + decades, Buchanan & Co Solicitors has supported more than 900 individuals through this exact scheme. Together, these clients have pledged over £4.5 million to Cancer Research UK. This extraordinary contribution directly funds pioneering research, prevention, and treatment, bringing hope to millions of people affected by cancer.
How does the Alzheimer’s Society ‘Will to Remember’ scheme work?
Buchanan & Co Solicitors also participates in the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Will to Remember’ scheme. This program offers supporters of the charity the opportunity to access subsidised will writing services through a dedicated network of legal professionals.
Dementia affects thousands of families, and navigating the future can be highly stressful. By writing your Will through the ‘Will to Remember’ program, you gain professional legal support to secure your estate. Furthermore, you can leave a financial gift that helps the Alzheimer’s Society provide ongoing care, fund research, and support people affected by dementia for years to come.
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“Made simple from start to finish with a sense of humor. Making a will is a difficult personal experience, but we were made aware of all options and risks, which was really helpful. Thank you.”
How much does making a Will cost if you have complex circumstances?
The charitable schemes subsidises the cost of a standard, simple Will. However, some individuals require more detailed planning. Making a Will costs change when you need to navigate complex family dynamics, set up Discretionary Trusts, or manage a Half House Trust.
If your circumstances require more advanced legal structuring, Buchanan & Co Solicitors will always explain any additional costs clearly and in advance. There are never any hidden surprises. If you decide to proceed with more complex arrangements, our Estate Planning Team will ensure your assets are protected against potential age-related expenses.
You might also need to consider decisions regarding your health and finances while you are still alive. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ensures a trusted person can manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity. Buchanan & Co Solicitors can guide you through the process of registering an LPA alongside making a will, ensuring comprehensive protection for every stage of life.
What is the broader impact of leaving a charitable legacy?
Charities heavily rely on legacy gifts to sustain their operations. When you choose to leave a donation in your Will, you actively fund long-term projects that might otherwise lose financial backing.
For Cancer Research UK, legacy gifts provide the critical funding required to run clinical trials and develop new treatments. For the Alzheimer’s Society, these donations ensure that helplines remain open and community support groups continue to function. By combining your personal estate planning with charitable giving, you create a lasting, positive impact that extends far beyond your immediate family.
How to choose a solicitor for making a Will in Derbyshire and Yorkshire?
Selecting the right legal professional requires careful consideration of their experience, transparency, and local reputation. When searching for solicitors Chesterfield or solicitors Sheffield, you should look for a firm with a proven track record in private family law and estate planning.
Client feedback is a highly reliable indicator of service quality. We are proud to be rated Excellent on Review Solicitors, backed by over 600+ verified client reviews praising our efficiency and clear communication. You can read our independent client feedback on our Review Solicitors profile. Buchanan & Co Solicitors combines more than 30 years of family-run practice experience with a compassionate approach, ensuring you feel completely supported throughout the entire legal process.
Secure your family’s future and support a good cause.
Drafting your legal documents does not need to be a stressful or expensive endeavour. By participating in a Chairty Will scheme, you ensure your exact wishes are legally documented, without worrying about upfront fees. At the same time, you hold the power to fund vital charitable work that improves countless lives.
To start making a will through these charitable partnerships, contact Buchanan & Co Solicitors today. Our experienced team will guide you through every stage, ensuring your loved ones are fully provided for and your charitable intentions are legally sound.
Frequently asked questions about Will writing.
Who is eligible for charity Wills?
Anyone aged 18 or over is generally eligible to participate in the Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society free Will schemes offered by Buchanan & Co Solicitors. The service covers the creation or updating of a standard, simple Will.
Do I have to leave a gift to the charity to use the free service?
No, there is no strict legal obligation to leave a gift to the sponsoring charity. However, the charities fund these legal fees with the hope that participants will consider leaving a legacy donation to support their ongoing work.
What happens if my legal affairs are too complex for a simple Will?
If your estate requires complex trusts, inheritance tax planning, or specific property severance, the free scheme covers the foundational costs of a simple Will. Buchanan & Co Solicitors will outline any supplementary fees for the complex additions before any work begins. Choose the scheme if your assets and wishes are straightforward; choose a paid advisory service if you require advanced trust structures.
Can I set up a Lasting Power of Attorney through the Charity Will scheme?
The Will schemes specifically cover the drafting of a Will. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney is a separate legal process with its own associated costs and registration fees. However, Buchanan & Co Solicitors can arrange both documents for you concurrently to ensure your total peace of mind and you can enjoy a package discount.
