Our Support to Will Aid 2026

Why do families need a will?

Many incorrectly assume that wills are only for the elderly, the wealthy, or those with significant estates. In reality, whether you are buying your first property, raising young children, building a business, or supporting ageing parents, having a professionally drafted will ensures your wishes are clearly recorded, providing greater certainty for your loved ones through some of life's most difficult moments.

Leaving more than money behind

A will also enables you to leave a lasting impact on causes close to your heart. Many of our clients choose to incorporate philanthropic gifts in their wills, supporting medical research, cancer care funds, LGBTQ+ advocacy, or local community projects.

This is something we at Arona St James are proud to assist with, helping you draft a will that reflects not just your assets, but also your values.

Why Will Aid?

Will Aid allows you to have a basic will or pair of basic mirror wills drawn up by one of our experienced solicitors. Where you would normally pay a fee for this, the Will Aid scheme allows you to instead make a voluntary donation to one of Will Aid's partner charities.

• Suggested donation for a single basic will: £120
• Suggested donation for a pair of basic mirror wills: £200

These partner charities include Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Crisis, the NSPCC, SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund), Shelter, and Trócaire.

What is a basic will?

This is a will in which you leave your estate to a few family members, friends, and/or charities. You will also name executors of your estate.

A basic will does not cover the inclusion of assets outside the UK, or the setting up of a trust or powers of attorney. A basic will will also not require any detailed inheritance tax advice.

What are mirror wills?

A pair of mirror wills is something you may wish to create with your partner. This type of will can be created whether you are married or unmarried, and where you share the same wishes for your estate.

They are a pair of separate, but nearly identical wills, reflecting your wishes when it comes to estate planning — although you may include separate funeral arrangements should you wish.

For example:

You and your partner create a pair of mirror wills in which each of you leaves everything to the other upon your death, with the estate then being divided equally among your children upon the second partner's death.

What if I require another type of will?

Through our work we are aware that many wish to recognise others beyond their immediate family and friends in their wills, or may wish to create a will with provisions not covered by the Will Aid scheme.

If you wish to include anything that falls outside of a basic will, you will not be able to do this through Will Aid.

We at Arona St James are also happy to assist with this, and will provide detailed advice for a complex will should you need it. As this falls outside the Will Aid scheme, we are no longer able to waive our fees, however we will keep you informed of our pricing should you choose to go down this route.

Why choose us?

Our team at Arona St James have extensive experience with will and probate matters and will guide you through the entire will drafting process with care, expertise, and compassion.

We understand that discussing end-of-life decisions, personal health, and sensitive family dynamics can often be difficult, and are therefore here to support you each step of the way as you prepare for both your own and your loved one's futures.

Contact Arona St James Solicitors today to reserve your Will Aid 2026 appointment or speak with our legal team about tailored estate planning. You can also read more about our wills service, or contact Noel Carroll, head of our private client team.