A law firm has partnered with a charity that trains assistance dogs to offer free wills, aiming to support people with epilepsy, autism, and physical disabilities.

Best Solicitors, which has a longstanding relationship with the Sheffield-based Support Dogs charity, has helped raise funds and awareness for the cause. As part of the National Free Wills Network, a program designed to encourage people to consider leaving a charitable donation in their will, Best Solicitors offers a free will-writing service.

Support Dogs is a charity that heavily depends on donations left in wills, with one in three of its life-changing support dogs made possible through such contributions. The charity trains and provides assistance dogs to autistic children, as well as adults with epilepsy or physical disabilities, helping them live safer and more independent lives. The charity is encouraging more individuals to support its work by leaving a gift in their will.

Danny Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Support Dogs, emphasized that free will schemes like this are vital for small charities like theirs.

He added: “We are so grateful to Best Solicitors for being part of this scheme.

“Charities like Support Dogs rely heavily on the donations left to us in wills.

“They really do make a life-changing difference to the people we help. It leaves a real lasting legacy and tribute to their life as well.”

It’s a simple process – contact Best Solicitors for an application pack. They ask how much clients want to leave to Support Dogs and take over from there.

Ellie Whitehead, a legal advisor at Best Solicitors, said those who sign up for the scheme are provided the same service as those paying full fees.

The team at Best go through the client’s personal details and circumstances including family and assets and tailor the will to their individual wishes.

They see clients at their offices in Sheffield, Barnsley and Chesterfield and offer telephone and video calls to meet all clients’ needs, as well as home visits.

Ms Whitehead said: “Our Wills & Probate team is very proud of our ongoing support and dedication towards Support Dogs and our free will writing scheme through the National Free Wills Network.

“Supporting local charities is really important to our team and we participate in will writing campaigns all year round.

“It motivates us as we know that our hard work is making a true difference to the local community.”

She added: “We have met a few of Support Dogs’ dogs on a couple of occasions and truly support everything that the charity does and believes in – the dogs are very well cared for and the impact they make on people’s lives is amazing!”