Local residents are being encouraged to make or update their will for a reduced cost as part of a month-long campaign to raise money for the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
Back by popular demand, the RUH Will month aims to help the public make or update their will at a reduced cost.
The scheme starts in September and the public can now book their will writing appointment at participating solicitor firms.
Eleven solicitor firms across Bath, North East Somerset and Wiltshire are participating and the fees will be donated to the RUH’s fundraising charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.
RUH Will month will run for one month only, helping people put their affairs in order by having a single standard will written for £125 or a standard mirror wills or joint wills written for £175.
Jan Witt, In Memory & Legacy Officer, The Forever Friends Appeal said: “It may come as a surprise that fewer than half of the population have an up-to-date will, despite its importance in offering you peace of mind and security for both you and your family.
“Often having a will written can be expensive, therefore, we’d like to urge people to take advantage of this will writing offer at the reduced rates to ensure your savings and possessions go to the people you love and care for.
“It is easy to take part in this offer, simply call any one of the participating solicitors (for list visit our website) to make an appointment for September and quote ‘RUH Will Month’.
“At the meeting the solicitor will guide you through the process and ensure that your will reflects your wishes.
“Make a Will month is an opportunity to support your local hospital and you can request that your fee is donated to a specific area of the hospital if you have a special connection to a ward or department in the RUH.”
David Hill, Partner and Head of Private Client for Mogers Drewett Solicitors, Bath said: “It is not any easy topic to address and is often put at the bottom of the to-do list, but there are various changes in life that may mean you should consider making or updating your will.
“A will makes it much easier for your family or friends to sort everything out when you die, and without a will the process can be more time consuming, costly and stressful.
“Writing a will is especially important if you have children or other family members who depend on you financially. If you don’t write a will everything will go under the Rules of Intestacy defined by the law, which is not always the way you might want your estate to be distributed. You may also wish to consider appointing guardians for young children.
“When you book an appointment to discuss your will requirements we will provide you with full legal advice and everything will be explained clearly.
“So don’t put it off until a later date, have a will written professionally this September so that your assets are left to the people and causes you care about, in accordance with your wishes.”
If you’re interested in having a will written, contact one of the participating solicitor firms as soon as possible as appointments get booked up in advance.
The full list of solicitors can be found on The Forever Friends Appeal website: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.
Participating Bath solicitor firms include: Burningham & Brown Solicitors , Helen Starkie Solicitors, Mowbray Woodwards Solicitors, Mogers Drewett Solicitors, Royds Withy King Solicitors.