Write or update your simple Will for free online, from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Write your Will online
Write or update your simple Will for free* with the RNLI's Will-writing services – online, over the phone, or face-to-face with a solicitor.
*For more complex Wills, our Will-writing partners will speak to you about any potential costs beforehand, so you won’t suddenly face an unexpected bill.
How to write or update your Will for free
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1
Are you updating a Will or writing a new one?
If you want to update an existing Will, read our FAQ: I want to update my Will. How do I do this?.If you're writing a new Will, please move on to Step 2.
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2
Choose how to write your Will
You can write your Will with us in person, online or over the phone (geographical restrictions apply). If you have any questions, you can contact our Gifts in Wills team.
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Write or update your Will
Once you've chosen your preferred method of writing or updating your Will, simply follow the steps outlined by our two trusted partners. They'll guide you through whichever option you choose. -
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Leave a lifesaving legacy
There’s no obligation to leave a gift in your Will to the RNLI, but we hope you consider doing so, once you’ve looked after your loved ones. If you do choose to leave a gift in your Will to the RNLI, your name will be added to the side of an RNLI legacy lifeboat.
Book a face-to-face appointment with a solicitor near you to write or update your Will for free*.
Write your Will face-to-face
Schedule a callback with one of our two trusted Will-writing providers to write or update your Will for free.
Write your Will over the phone
Have a question about leaving a gift in your Will? Speak to someone in our team and we'll be happy to help.
Get in touch
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the differences between the RNLI's Will-writing options?
- To write or update your Will using any of our free Wills services, you need to be over 18 years old.
- All of our free Wills services allow you to include gifts to other charities in your Will.
Face to face
- Available locations: UK and the Republic of Ireland. Currently no solicitors available in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
- Will-writing partner/s: National or Irish Free Wills Network
- Legal Will: Yes - the solicitor will give you all details
Online
- Available locations: England and Wales (excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands)
- Will-writing partner/s: Co-op Legal services or Farewill
- Legal Will: Yes - our online Wills providers will explain this to you during the process
Over the phone
- Available locations: England and Wales (excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands)
- Will-writing partner/s: Co-op Legal services or Farewill
- Legal Will: Yes - our telephone providers will explain this to you during the process
What do I need to hand when using the RNLI’s free Will-writing service?
- Personal details - full name, date of birth, current address, relationship status and the names of any children you have, along with their date of birth.
- List of your assets - for example, property, bank accounts, stocks and shares, vehicles, foreign assets, and anything else of value such as jewellery. You should also consider what debts and liabilities you have such as a mortgage or outstanding loan. This will help you to calculate the net value of your estate.
- Full names and addresses of your beneficiaries - who you want to leave things to, and what you want to give them.
It's worth noting that gifts and donations to charity in a Will are normally exempt from inheritance tax. To qualify for the inheritance tax exemption, the charity must have a charity reference number, and you will need to state this number in your Will. The following wording may be helpful:
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney
- Full names and addresses of your executors - your executors are the people who will administer your Will after you die.
- If you have children under 18 - you’ll need the full names and addresses of whoever you wish to be their legal guardians.
- Full names and addresses of any trustees - if you wish to put certain assets into trust.
Co-op Legal Services will send you a checklist of the information you’ll need to hand.
Farewill have this handy article onWhy does the RNLI use Will-writing partners?
The RNLI, like several other charities, offers a free Will-writing service with the primary goal of making the process more accessible for people like you. Our aim is to eliminate barriers to Will writing, enabling supporters like you to gain access to specialist and legal advice, and to ensure you can choose a method of Will writing that suits you best (online, over the phone or face-to-face). It also ensures coverage of the UK and Ireland. We hope that you may choose to support our vital lifesaving work after providing for your loved ones.
I want to update my Will. How do I do this?
If you have an existing Will that has been written through your own solicitor, you can make small amends to that Will for free using our face-to-face service with the National Free Wills Network or Irish Free Wills Network. If you wish to update your Will online or over the phone, you will need to create a new Will. You can do this for free using Farewill or Co-op Legal Services.
Why do I need to start a new Will to make changes with Farewill or Co-op Legal Services?
This is to ensure that your Will adheres with its precedents and the latest legislation.