'I'm a legal expert - Brits should do this 1 life-changing thing now to save up to £500'

Brits can savehundreds of pounds making a crucial life-changing move in the coming weeks - and benefit a good cause. The campaign, Will Aid, is encouraging more people to make a will to leave their loved ones with instructions on what they want to happen to their estates when they die.

A common myth around will-writing is that it is costly, but Will Aid month in November sees solicitors across the UK offer their services for free in return for a donation to charity. This ranges from £120 for a single, basic Will to £200 for a pair of "mirror wills". Trusha Velji's firm, Touch Solicitors, has taken part in the annual scheme for almost 15 years.

She told the Daily Express: "It's a great scheme because everyone benefits. It's a really good idea to make a will to make sure the wishes you want for your loved ones are carried out. People will know exactly what you want to happen."

Ms Velji said outside Will Aid, costs can vary depending on the complexity of a will drawn up by a solicitor and where they are based in the UK. She estimated that in parts of southern England Wills can cost up to £600 to £700.

Shanice Marsh is a Licensed Probate Practitioner at Perfectly Legal in Richmond, South-west London. She praised Will Aid's scheme for making will-writing accessible, adding: "A will doesn't have to be drafted by a lawyer, but seeking legal advice is recommended. If you draft a will yourself, it may not be done quite right."

She estimated that writing a will using a legal professional can cost up to £500, but again it all depends on how complicated your requirements are.

Two-thirds of adults in the UK don't have a will or have one which needs updating, according to Will Aid. In its survey of 2,000 people across the country, the will-writing campaign also found 56% have never written a will. One in 10 admitted their will no longer reflects their wishes.

Under the Will Aid scheme, hundreds of solicitors waive their usual fee and invite you to make an upfront donation to Will Aid which is later shared among the charities Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Crisis, NSPCC, Shelter, SCIAF and Trócaire.

Will Aid opened to bookings at the start of September and if you want to take part you must book by the end of November.

The appointment itself can take place in November or a later month if necessary. Solicitors typically offer a range of appointment types, including in person or remote.

The solicitor you use may offer to store your will at no extra cost. Every will drafted through Will Aid can also be registered for free via the National Will Register.

Anyone aged over 18 can make a will (with an exception for members of the Armed Forces who can have one at a younger age). Will Aid bookings opened in September, with some solicitors making arrangements with clients of the scheme before November's official start.

To take part, enter your postcode on Will Aid's website or call 0300 0300 013 to find out the solicitors taking part. You should then contact the solicitor to arrange an appointment and mention the Will Aid scheme.

Will Aid said you can then donate via the Will Aid website and take a copy of the receipt with you.

Solicitors will have their own procedures, but the process can involve having an ID check carried out, which can incur a further cost.