Are you getting married? Moving in with your partner? Buying a home? Welcoming a new family member? Divorcing? Your will is a living document that reflects your life’s journey and your love for those around you.

When you have a professionally written, up-to-date will, you can ensure your loved ones will receive whatever you leave behind. But if you should die without one, they could be left with nothing and others may benefit instead.

In April 2025, five local solicitors will be partnering with Heart of Kent Hospice to offer their professional will-writing services for Make a Will Month. They include Bassetts Solicitors, Elite Legal, EMD Law LLP, SNS Solicitors and Whitehead Monckton.

All they ask is for a donation to the Hospice, which is less than the fees solicitors normally charge:

Bill Seymour, hospice volunteer, said: “I know of people who have died without a will, and I’ve seen the distress and hassle it caused their families. I couldn't bear the thought of my daughter having extra stress after I’m gone, especially when she’ll be grieving the loss of her dad.

“When you have a will, it minimises the administrative aggravation for those you leave behind. I’m not a wealthy guy, but I know I still need to have a will.

“For me, it’s a win-win to update my will through Heart of Kent Hospice’s Make a Will Month. I’ll get peace of mind by having my will professionally written, but instead of paying the solicitor a fee I can support the work of the Hospice instead.”

Representatives from the solicitors will also be holding two drop-in events to help people with writing a will. The first is at Heart of Kent Hospice on Wednesday March 5 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm and the second is at The Mall, Maidstone on Thursday March 6 between 9am and 5pm.

For more information about Make a Will Month or to book your appointment, click here.