Octopus Legacy FAQs

Why do I need a will?

Everyone should have an up-to-date will. It is a legally binding document and the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out when you are gone. It’s a way of looking after your family, friends and the charities that you care most about.

I have never heard of doing a will online – is it legal?

Yes, an online will is 100% legal once the will has been printed and signed by you and two witnesses. Your will comes with easy-to-follow instructions on how to sign it properly.

Can I write an online will without a solicitor?

Yes, you can write your will online without a solicitor and it is completely legal. Your online will is created and checked by Octopus Legacy’s solicitor-approved system and expert legal teams. It just requires you to input your own details to be completed.

Is my online will really free?

HEART UK will pay for your online will at a discounted rate.  We are very grateful that most people decide to leave a gift in their will to HEART UK, but there is no obligation to do so. If you need to change or amend your Will, Octopus Legacy offer free unlimited changes as part of their annual subscription service. This is free for the first year and then £10 per year afterwards; you can opt out at any time and this is all explained when you come to complete your online will. Please note, there are a limited number of free wills that can be covered, if we are unable to offer you a free will, we can place you on a waiting list and get back to you.

What kind of gift can I leave?

A share of your estate (also known as a residuary gift)

Many people leave a residuary gift to HEART UK.  This comprises of whatever is left over once gifts of money and items have been distributed from your estate.  You can leave the whole of your estate (100%), or a part of it, to HEART UK.

An amount of money (also known as a pecuniary gift)

It’s a good idea to ‘index link’ these gifts so they keep their value over the years.  This means your gift will be as useful as you intended it to be at the time of writing your will.

An item of value (also known as a specific gift)

You can gift specific personal possessions like property, jewellery, or shares.

Who is eligible to take up this offer?

The offer is open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives in England or Wales and supports HEART UK including their staff, suppliers, and Trustees. Please note, there are a limited number of free wills that can be covered each month; if we are unable to offer you a free will, we can place you on a waiting list and get back to you.

What information do I need to have to leave a gift to HEART UK in my will?

You will need to have the following information to hand:

Registered Name: HEART UK – The Cholesterol Charity
Registered Office: 7 North Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1PE
Charity Registration number: 1003904

I already have a will but it is out of date, can I use the scheme to update it?

If your will needs updating, you can re-write it online with a new will to ensure it is up-to-date and current. If you prefer to amend your current Will, you can call the Octopus Legacy team on 020 4525 3605 and they will be able to do arrange an appointment for you to do that over the phone or in person with one of their solicitors.

What is an online mirror will?

Online mirror wills are simply clone wills for couples. More popular and relevant now is just a simple will for both partners. Getting your online will as a couple in this way means that they can be updated more easily and also reflect any personal wishes you may have.

What happens after I have submitted my will?

Your online will is checked by Octopus Legacy’s in-house legal experts who will read it and check that everything is correct. Octopus Legacy will return your will within 7 business days. If they have any questions or concerns about your will, Octopus Legacy will email you. You need to print your will and get it witnessed, which you can do at home. If you do not have a printer, Octopus Legacy offer a print and post service for £9.99 and you will be given this option at the end of the process.

What should I include in my online will?

Your online will asks you about yourself and your family, your assets and how you would like them to be divided and the people you want to act as Executors. If you have children under the age of 18 you can add guardians in your online will. Appointing a guardian means that your children will be looked after in case the worst happens. Your online will also asks optional questions about any funeral wishes you may have and any specific gifts or messages you would like to leave.

Can anyone write an online will with Octopus Legacy?

The service is only available if you live in England and Wales and you must be over the age of 18. For anyone living in Northern Ireland and Scotland you can still get a free will by calling 020 4525 3605.

Do Octopus Legacy share a copy of my will with HEART UK?

No, they do not share a copy of your will, nor will they inform HEART UK of its contents. They will only tell HEART UK of a gift to them if  you give your consent to share it. You will be asked at the end of the process if you are happy to share your name, email, and address etc. with HEART UK.

How will my data be used?

You can view Octopus Legacy’s terms and conditions and privacy policy here. You can view HEART UK’s privacy policy here.

If you have more questions, email hello@octopuslegacy.network