Accessible Will-writing options

I need support to write my Will

Everyone’s needs are different, and the same is true for writing a Will.

You can ask us or your solicitor about possible support such as:

• Extra time for your appointment
• Having information sent in advance
• Documents in large print or accessible digital formats
• Step-free access or an accessible meeting room
• Support if you are blind or partially sighted
• Support if you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus
• British Sign Language interpretation
• Welsh language provision
• Translation or interpretation if English is not your first language.

Any support required should be discussed and arranged with the solicitor in advance. Support will depend on local availability, and some solicitors may be able to arrange it themselves. 

How to get support

To find out more, get in touch with your local Gifts in Wills Officer using the details below. When you contact us, you could say:

‘I would like to use Alzheimer’s Society’s Will to Remember service. I need some support for my appointment. Can I talk to you about what adjustments may be possible?’ 

We can talk through what support you need and try to point you towards a solicitor who may be able to help. 

I’m living with dementia and would like to write my Will

Living with dementia or getting a dementia diagnosis does not mean you cannot make a Will.

Your solicitor will need to make sure they can take instructions from you and that your Will reflects your wishes. They will always need to consider mental capacity, and they may require an independent capacity assessment to be made.  

You can also ask your solicitor whether they can make your appointment more dementia friendly. You may be able to ask them for support such as:  

• An appointment at a time of day when you feel most able to concentrate
• Extra time during your appointment
• Short breaks
• Plain English information
• Asking one question at a time
• Another appointment if you need more time.

I’d like to bring someone with me to my Will-writing appointment

You may want to bring someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, carer or advocate. They can help you feel more comfortable, travel to the appointment or remember information.

Although you are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment, your solicitor will need to speak to alone for part of the appointment. This helps them check that you are writing the Will voluntarily, that it reflects your own wishes and that you are not being influenced by anyone else.

I need more help

For anyone looking to get in touch with Alzheimer's Society about your Will, our Gifts in Wills team are on hand to help answer any questions you may have.

If you want to talk to us about writing your Will, including a gift, or the impact your gift could have for people affected by dementia, please contact our team at [email protected] or call them on 0370 011 0290.

Please note, Alzheimer’s Society does not give legal advice. Your solicitor is responsible for giving legal advice, writing your Will and checking they can take your instructions. Alzheimer’s Society do not get involved in the client and solicitor relationship.