Charity launches free Will writing service
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Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, has launched a free Will writing service in partnership with Solicitors for Older People Scotland.
The new service will give people over the age of 50 the opportunity to make a new Will or amend their existing Will for free.
It is estimated that more than half of all adults in the UK do not have a Will. A previous survey of older people by Age Scotland indicated that 62 per cent of respondents had not yet set one up.
The partnership aims to provide peace of mind for both individuals and their loved ones by supporting them to plan ahead.
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said: “Age Scotland encourages and supports older people to ensure their financial affairs are in order and a key part of this is having an up-to-date Will. But there could be around a million people over the age of 50 in Scotland without one.
“Many people may put this off as it’s not the most pleasant subject to think about, but planning ahead can save unnecessary distress at an already difficult time.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Solicitors for Older People Scotland on this new service and would encourage anyone over 50 and living in Scotland to get in touch and take advantage of the free Will writing offer. It’s so important, not just for you but for those you leave behind.”
Vivienne Malcolm of Solicitors for Older People Scotland (SOPS), a group of Scottish law firms dedicated to providing legal services to older people in a caring and sensitive way, said: “SOPS solicitor firms are delighted to support this service.
“We hope our firms and our clients, through this project, will produce increasing income for Age Scotland to help the charity continue with its provision of invaluable support and assistance for older people throughout Scotland.”
Service users are encouraged to leave a gift in their Will to Age Scotland in lieu of a solicitor’s fee. Visit www.age.scot/FreeWillService or call Age Scotland on 0333 323 2400 to find out more.
