Free Will writing service
Making or updating your Will couldn't be simpler
Writing a Will is a task many of us put off, but having one is the only way to ensure that the people and causes you care about are provided
for in the way you want. To help you get started, we’ve partnered with National Free Wills Network to offer our alumni and supporters a simple Will for free*.
You can do this with a local solicitor in person or remotely over the phone or via video call. There’s no obligation to leave a gift to Queen’s University Belfast, but we hope you might consider doing so.
Leaving a gift in your Will to Queen’s helps fund life-changing research and ensures that talented students, regardless of background, can access a world-class education. Any amount - large or small - can make a real, lasting impact.
You may find our brief Guide to Writing Your Will helpful when considering writing your Will. The booklet addresses some FAQs about Wills, outlines the practical steps you’ll need to take when writing one, and how you can include a gift to Queen’s University Belfast if you wish to do so.
*This service covers the cost of a simple Will, paid for by Queen's at a special rate. If your Will is more complicated, you may require additional legal services. If so, the provider will advise you of this and present a no obligation quote.
How it Works:
- National Free Wills Network connects you with local solicitors across the UK.
- You must be aged 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Complete the referral form to receive a bespoke pack with solicitor details in your area.
- Book your appointment to write or update your Will.
FAQs
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Who pays for the Will?
Queen's pays a discounted fee to the Will-writing partner which covers the creation of a simple Will or small changes to an existing Will. There is no charge for a simple Will, which is suitable for most people.
If your Will is more complicated and requires additional legal advice, you will be advised of this and offered a no obligation quote.
While there is no obligation to include a gift in your Will, after taking care of your loved ones, we do hope that you will consider leaving a percentage of your estate to Queen's. Leaving a gift in your Will to Queen’s helps fund life-changing research and ensures that talented students, regardless of background, can access a world-class education. Any amount - large or small - can make a real, lasting impact.
- Does the free Will-writing partner use a solicitor to write (or update) a Will?
Yes. The National Free Wills Network use local solicitors to write (or update) a Will in person or remotely over the phone or via video call.
- Does Queen's get a copy of my Will?
No, Queen's does not receive a copy of your Will.
During the Will writing process, you will be asked whether you are happy for the Will-writing partner to share certain information with Queen's. This includes whether you have left Queen's a gift in your Will and the value of this gift. Having this information allows us to thank you properly.
- How do I ensure my Will is valid?
For a Will to be valid, there are certain conditions that must be met.
- The Will must be made by a person who is 18 years old or over.
- Your Will must be made voluntarily and without pressure from any other person.
- Your Will must be on paper, a ‘soft’ copy on a computer is not valid.
- Your Will must be signed by you, in the presence of two witnesses and signed by the two witnesses, in your presence.
- Witnesses can be anyone over 18. They cannot be a beneficiary of your Will (someone who receives money or other benefits as a result of your Will), nor can they be the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary of your Will.
- Witnesses do not need to read your Will or be aware of its contents.
More information on ensuring that your Will is valid can be found on the Citizens Advice website.
- What if I want to leave a gift to Queen's?
To leave a gift to Queen's in your Will, you need to include the name of our charity (Queen's University of Belfast Foundation), our address (Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN) and registered charity number (NIC102044). It is then as simple as writing:
• ‘I give 10% of my residual estate to…’
• ‘I give £5,000 to..."
• ‘I give my original painting to…’You can find more information here.
Get in contact
If you have any questions about leaving a gift in your Will to Queen's, or how your gift can help, please contact our Legacy Manager at l.carey@qub.ac.uk
or on +44 (0) 7727 234 282.