Press Release: Free Will Registration Month returns in May

The National Will Register announces Free Will Registration Month for May 2026

Once again, The National Will Register is proud to announce Free Will Registration Month, taking place in May 2026 across the United Kingdom. Throughout the month, members of the public and legal professionals can register their own or their clients' wills entirely free of charge using code FREEWILLREG26. This simple step can save the £30 standard registration fee and protect families from the distress caused by lost wills.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as highlighted in the 2025 National Wills Report. Only 37% of UK adults have made a will, and, strikingly, over half of respondents (51%) do not know where their parents’ wills are stored. As estate administration becomes more complex and families grow increasingly open to discussing end-of-life plans, with 79% now saying they are comfortable talking about death, there remains a worrying gap in practical preparedness. Registering a will with The National Will Register is a proven safeguard, making sure loved ones know exactly where to locate this vital document when it’s needed most.

Last year set a new record for the number of people using the free registration initiative, demonstrating ever-growing awareness and demand for this essential service. The National Will Register encourages everyone in the UK to use code FREEWILLREG26 this May to join thousands of others taking action to protect their families’ futures.

The registration process is simple, straightforward, and highly secure. The National Will Register does not see or store the actual will. Instead, the system securely records the details of the solicitor or location where the physical document is safely held. This allows individuals to maintain their affairs in good order without compromising their privacy.

When someone passes away, the system only allows legitimate searches. A copy of the death certificate must be provided, and the person searching must be an executor or a named beneficiary. Any other requests are ignored. This strict process ensures complete confidentiality while providing a vital safeguard for individuals, executors, and beneficiaries.

“Estate planning does not end when a will is written. If that document cannot be found at the point of need, the consequences are not theoretical, they are real, affecting families, beneficiaries and the professionals responsible for getting it right. At OneAdvanced Legal, we see first-hand the importance of building certainty into every stage of the process. Free Will Registration Month is about addressing that gap at a national level, encouraging a shift from assumption to certainty. It is a simple step, but one that strengthens trust in the process and ensures that final wishes are not just recorded, but realised.” - Doug Hargrove, Senior Vice-President, OneAdvanced Legal.

About The National Will Register

The National Will Register is the UK’s will registration and will search service. The organisation empowers individuals and legal professionals by ensuring that wills can be quickly and securely located when they are needed most. By maintaining a comprehensive and secure database of will locations, The National Will Register helps families avoid the complications of intestacy and ensures that final wishes are respected.