Making a Will is one of those tasks everyone knows they need to get around to but often quietly moves down the priority list. Life is busy, the subject feels uncomfortable or morbid to talk about, and people often worry that sorting it out properly will be costly. Others believe they don’t need one, or it’s only for the wealthy. If that sounds familiar, you are far from alone. Many people put off writing a Will for years, and some never get around to it at all.
That is part of the reason Borneo Martell Turner Coulston is proud to be part of the National Free Wills Network. It gives people a straightforward way to have a basic Will written by a qualified, regulated professional, at no cost, with the option to support a cause they care about should they wish to do so. Following the opening of our new central London Office, we can now offer these appointments across all three of our offices, in London, Northampton and Kettering.
Below, our Wills and Probate team explains what the scheme is, how it works, and how you can access your Free Simple Will.
What is the National Free Wills Network?
The National Free Wills Network connects members of the public with local solicitors and Will writers who can prepare a simple Will free of charge. The scheme is funded by charities, which means the cost that would normally fall to you is covered by them instead.
In return, you are invited to consider leaving a gift to one of the supporting charities in your Will. This is an invitation, not a condition of the scheme. You are under no obligation to leave anything, and your Will is prepared to reflect your wishes whether you choose to leave a gift or not.
Free Will Appointments Now Available in London
The opening of our new central London office on Monday 14th September 2026 is an exciting step in the firm’s growth, and it means we can make our services more accessible to clients living and working in the capital. You can read more about the move in our announcement, BMTC Law Announces the Opening of Our New London Office.
Part of that expansion is offering Free Will appointments through the National Free Wills Network in London; alongside the appointments we already provide from our Northampton and Kettering offices. Wherever you are based, our specialist Wills team can arrange a time and location that suits you.
How Does it Work?
The process of obtaining your free Will is designed to be simple from start to finish.
You receive an invitation from a charity. Participating charities offer the scheme through the National Free Wills Network. If you support a cause connected to it, you may receive details on how to request the free Will service, along with information confirming that you qualify.
You get in touch with us to arrange an appointment. Once you have your invitation, you contact our private client team to book a time. We will explain what to expect and what information to bring along.
If you have been referred to BMTC Law through the National Free Wills Network and would like to arrange an appointment or would like more information on how to take part, please contact us at [email protected].
We talk through your wishes. During your appointment, we take the time to understand your circumstances, your family, and how you would like your estate to be shared. This is your Will, so the focus is entirely on what matters to you.
We prepare your Will. We draft the document, review it with you, and ensure it is signed and witnessed correctly so that it is legally valid.
What Is Covered by the Free Service?
The scheme covers a simple Will, a legally valid document in which the person making the Will names an executor(s), the beneficiaries of their residuary estate, appoints guardians for minor children, and records simple funeral wishes. For most people, a simple Will does exactly what is needed.
However, not every Will can be handled as a simple Will under the National Free Wills Network scheme, as some situations are more involved. If you own a business, have assets abroad, wish to set up a trust, or have a more complex family arrangement, your needs may go beyond a simple Will. Where that is the case, we will always tell you clearly before any work begins, and we will explain any fees so there are no surprises.
Can Couples Make Simple Mirror Wills?
Yes, couples can make simple Wills which reflect each other’s wishes, and these are referred to as simple Mirror Wills.
Do I Have to Leave a Gift to Charity?
No, you are not obligated to leave a charitable gift in your Will in order to use the National Free Wills Network scheme. Choosing to leave a gift is entirely up to you, and your Will is prepared properly either way. Many people do decide to leave something, whether a fixed sum or a share of their estate, because it is a meaningful way to support a cause close to their heart. Others simply value the chance to put their affairs in order. Both are perfectly welcome, and the decision is entirely yours.
If you do decide to leave a legacy, gifts to registered charities are also free of Inheritance Tax, and in some cases leaving part of your estate to charity can reduce the rate of tax paid on the rest. Our Wills team can provide all the information you need and are happy to talk this through with you.
Why We Are Taking Part
At BMTC Law, we see the difference a clear, valid Will makes to families. When someone dies without one, or with an unclear Will, the people left behind can face stress and uncertainty at an already difficult time. A well-written Will removes that doubt and gives your loved ones peace of mind.
As a firm accredited under the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme and a member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, we are committed to delivering a high standard of service and doing this work well. The National Free Wills Network helps us extend this support to more people while benefiting charities that do valuable work in our local communities.
National Free Wills Network Appointment Availability
Demand for simple Wills through the National Free Wills Network is high. We do our best to accommodate everyone by offering appointments promptly and at a convenient office. However, appointment availability depends on our team’s capacity and the scheme’s terms, so we may not always be able to offer an appointment straight away.
If you received details of BMTC Law through the National Free Wills Network, or would like more information about taking part, please contact us. We will confirm the appointments currently available.
How to Arrange Your Free Will
If you have received an invitation from the National Free Wills Network and would like to book an appointment at our London, Northampton or Kettering office, our private client team will guide you through each step.
Find out more or arrange your Free Will appointment today.
Where Can I Book My National Free Wills Network Appointment?
Appointments are available at our Central London office, subject to the National Free Wills Network scheme’s terms and availability. We also offer appointments at our Northampton and Kettering offices.
London:
44 Southampton Buildings, London. WC2A 1AP
Telephone: 020 7078 6760
Email: [email protected]
Northampton:
29 Billing Road, Northampton. NN1 5DQ
Telephone: 01604 622101
Email: [email protected]
Kettering:
18 Brooklands Court, Kettering. NN15 6FD
Telephone: 01536 523434
Email: [email protected]
