Wills for Heroes

The Wills for Heroes program (WFH) was created in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when it was revealed that most of the first responders who perished in the line of duty lacked basic estate planning documents. In recognition of the services and sacrifices made by the first responders, Virginia’s WFH program provides free basic estate planning services to Virginia first responders and their spouses. Jointly sponsored and run by the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Section (VSB YLS) and the Virginia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (VBA YLD), we work with interested local bar associations, young lawyers’ groups, and organizations to provide Simple Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Medical Directives to sworn law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, and their spouses, in cities and counties across the Commonwealth. Since its inception in Virginia in 2003, thousands of estate planning documents have been prepared for first responders throughout the Commonwealth.

Municipalities may submit an application here. The Wills for Heroes Committee will review it and respond to your request. The YLS typically provides this program 1-2 times a year, at least 6 months apart.

Hosting municipalities will provide a convenient location for first responders and volunteer attorneys to meet (10-15 tables and chairs), volunteer notaries and witnesses, and breakfast/lunch/beverages for volunteers.