Planning for the future is not only about writing a will — it is also about making sure that will can be found when it is needed most. Our Wills and Probate support clients with estate planning to help ensure their wishes are protected clearly and professionally for the future.
The National Will Register has announced the return of Free Will Registration Month throughout May 2026, giving individuals and legal professionals the opportunity to register wills free of charge.
What Is the National Will Register?
The National Will Register is a UK-based will registration and search service designed to help locate wills after someone passes away. While registering a will is not a legal requirement, it is endorsed by the Law Society because it helps reduce the risk of wills being lost, misplaced, or overlooked.
Importantly:
✔️ The register does not store a copy of the will
✔️ Only the location of the will is recorded
✔️ The contents remain private and confidential
There are now more than 10.5 million wills registered on the system.
Why Registering a Will Is Important
Many people assume that once a will has been signed, the process is complete. However, one of the most common probate complications arises when family members or executors cannot locate the latest version of a will.
This can lead to:
- Delays in administering the estate
- Family disputes
- Increased legal costs
- Uncertainty about the deceased’s final wishes
- Potential reliance on outdated documents
Registering a will creates an additional layer of protection and clarity for executors and beneficiaries.
What Is Free Will Registration Month?
Throughout May 2026, the National Will Register is waiving its usual registration fee as part of Free Will Registration Month. Normally, registering a will costs £30, but during the campaign period individuals can register a will free of charge. The process only takes a few minutes and requires:
- Basic details of the person making the will
- The location where the original will is stored
- Confirmation of the will details for registration purposes
Common Mistakes People Make With Wills
Even where a valid will exists, problems can still arise if:
- The original will cannot be located
- Multiple copies exist
- Family members do not know a will was made
- An older will is discovered instead of the latest version
- The will is stored insecurely at home
These situations can create avoidable stress during probate and may delay estate administration significantly.
Reviewing Your Will Regularly
Free Will Registration Month is also a good reminder to review whether your will still reflects your wishes.
It is often sensible to review a will after:
- Marriage or divorce
- Buying or selling property
- Having children or grandchildren
- Changes in financial circumstances
- Business ownership changes
- Changes to inheritance tax planning
An outdated will can create complications just as easily as having no will at all.
Probate and Estate Administration Considerations
When someone passes away, executors have legal responsibilities to identify assets, liabilities, creditors, and the correct will before distributing an estate.
Failing to locate the most recent will can delay:
- Grant of probate applications
- Asset distribution
- Property sales
- Tax administration
- Final estate settlement
This is why proper storage and registration are becoming increasingly important parts of estate planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is will registration legally required? No. Registering a will is optional, but it is widely recommended as a safeguard against wills being lost or overlooked.
Does the National Will Register store my will? No. The service only records where the will is stored, not the contents of the document.
Can I register an existing will? Yes. Existing wills can be registered if you know where the signed original is stored.
What happens if my will cannot be found? If the original will cannot be located after death, probate can become more complex and in some cases the estate may be treated as intestate if no valid will is available.
Final Thoughts
Writing a will is only part of protecting your estate and your family’s future. Ensuring that the document can be located quickly and confidently is equally important. Proper will storage, regular reviews, and registration can help reduce uncertainty, delays, and unnecessary complications during probate.
Free Will Registration Month provides a timely opportunity for individuals to improve the organisation and security of their estate planning arrangements.
