People across three counties are being encouraged to make their Wills during March in a special scheme which enables them to donate their legal fees to a worthwhile cause.
Ten solicitors across Herts, Bucks and Beds are taking part in the Hospice's Make a Will Month, offering their standard Will writing service for free or for a reduced fee, in return for a donation to the Hospice.
Solicitor Heidi Murphy, from KK Law in Bridge Street, Hemel Hempstead, said, “More than two-thirds of people in the UK don't have a Will. Some don't like trying to decide who gets what, others think it’s something that people have to do in old age, some don't like the paperwork but, for a lot of people, it is too thought-provoking and sad.
“We recognise these concerns and it’s our job to make the process as quick, easy and straight-forward as possible for our clients, leaving them with a signed Will and the reassurance that their future wishes and assets are safeguarded for family and friends.
“Having a Will gives you peace of mind that your estate will be distributed in accordance with your wishes, whether that is to family members, friends or charities which you wish to support and ensures that your estate is distributed in the most tax efficient manner.
“All this can be achieved whilst contributing to the Hospice of St Francis, a very worthwhile cause, by participating in their Make a Will month in March 2015. KK Law Solicitors are very proud to be Corporate Sponsors of the Hospice of St Francis and to participate in their Make a Will Month again this year.”
Three Legal Matters sessions will be held at the Hospice’s Spring Centre on March 21st (morning and afternoon sessions available) and March 23rd (evening session available), giving pointers on all areas of law including making a will, power of attorney, probate, mental capacity and family law. They will be hosted by Berkhamsted solicitors Sumner & Tabor and are open to patients, families, carers and the community.
Last year over 80 people took advantage of Make a Will month to make their Wills and the Hospice received just under £15,000 in donations.
Michele Poli, Legacy Fundraiser at the Hospice adds, “Make a Will month encourages people to make a Will in return for a donation to the Hospice. It’s not about leaving all your money to us but, of course, any gift to help fund our work is a lovely way of helping others from your local community in the future."
Participating solicitors in Dacorum include Austins, Penny and Thorne, Sumner & Tabor, and Harrowell & Atkins in Berkhamsted and KK Law in Hemel Hempstead.
Bucks solicitors include Fulton Robertson in Amersham, IBB Solicitors in Chesham and Pickup & Scott in Aylesbury, while in St Albans and Harpenden, Taylor Walton, Bretherton Law in St Albans and Neves Solicitors (who also have offices in Milton Keynes and Luton) are taking part.
For more information and a full list of participating solicitors’ details, visit www.stfrancis.org.uk/MAW or follow us on Twitter @hospicstfrancis #makeawill