Pros:

• Free Wills Month provides an opportunity for individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal services to create or update their wills at no cost. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults or those with limited financial means.
• Free Wills Month encourages more people to engage in estate planning and take proactive steps to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out after they pass away.
• This initiative often encourages participants to consider leaving a gift to charity in their wills. This can result in increased support for non-profit organisations and charitable causes, benefiting the community as a whole.
• Free Wills Month fosters community engagement by bringing together legal professionals, charitable organisations, and individuals seeking estate planning services. It creates opportunities for networking, education, and collaboration within the community.
• Free Wills Month raises awareness about the importance of having a will and the potential consequences of not having one. It educates the public about estate planning and encourages proactive decision-making regarding end-of-life matters.

Cons:

• Free Wills Month typically targets a specific demographic, such as individuals aged 55 and over. This may exclude younger adults or individuals with urgent estate planning needs who could also benefit from free will-writing services.
• Some participants may be hesitant to use free will-writing services out of concern about the quality or expertise of the solicitors involved. There may be perceptions that free services are of lower quality compared to paid alternatives.
• Free Wills Month can generate high demand for legal services within a limited timeframe, leading to challenges such as scheduling constraints, long wait times, or difficulty securing appointments with participating solicitors.
• While encouraging charitable giving is a positive aspect of Free Wills Month, some individuals may feel pressured to include a charitable donation in their wills, even if it may not align with their personal wishes or financial circumstances.
• The sustainability of Free Wills Month depends on the availability of funding and the ongoing support of participating solicitors and charitable organizations. Without adequate resources and commitment, the initiative may struggle to continue long-term.

Overall, while Free Wills Month offers valuable benefits such as increased access to estate planning services and charitable giving opportunities, it also presents challenges related to eligibility, quality, demand management, and sustainability. These factors should be carefully considered when evaluating the effectiveness and viability of the initiative.