If you haven't got round to making your will - and a surprising number of people in Britain fall into this category - why not take advantage of Will Aid month this November, when you can sort out your affairs and benefit a charity into the bargain?
By making a will, you can ensure that your estate will go to the people you choose - rather than to some distant relative, or to the government, if no heir can be traced.
Throughout November, solicitors all over the country are offering to draw up basic wills in exchange for a donation to charity. Suggested donation levels are £75 for a single will, £110 for a pair of matching or mirror wills, and £40 for a codicil (an addition or amendment to an existing will) - less than half the normal cost. Charities such as ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged and Save the Children will benefit. For more information call the Will Aid hotline on 0300 0300 013.
RNIB's Wills and Legacies advisory service can also offer confidential and impartial advice on making your will, including a free Will guide. Contact them by email legacyservices@rnib.org.uk or call 0845 600 0313 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).