Your legacy… How Do I Make a Will ?

Making a Will is usually straightforward and inexpensive. As with any legal document it is best to seek professional advice. If you do not have a solicitor you could ask friends or relatives for a recommendation or search online for a local solicitor.

Wills aren’t solely about passing on your assets. You can also include specific details about your desired funeral arrangements: for instance, burial, cremation or the use of your body for medical research. You may also want to appoint legal guardians to care for your children if you and your partner should die before they are 18.

To make a valid Will you will need two independent witnesses to witness your signature.

Can I add St Clare Hospice to my existing Will?
If you have a Will it is important that you keep it up to date. Fortunately making changes to an existing Will, again with the help of a solicitor, is very straightforward.

If you wish to add St Clare Hospice to your existing Will, your solicitor will simply prepare a supplement called a codicil. This will also need the signatures of two independent witnesses. Witnesses must not be:

• beneficiaries under your Will or Codicil
• their wives, husbands or civil partners
• executors of the Will

What are the Different Types of Legacy?
With a legacy you can help create a better future for local people with life limiting illnesses.

There are three main ways to leave a gift to St Clare Hospice in your Will:

• ‘Residual Legacy’
• ‘Cash Legacy’
• ‘Legacy in Kind’


Residual Legacy
At St Clare Hospice we know that caring for your family is a priority. However, after making provision for your family and friends, you can leave whatever is left in your estate – the residue – to St Clare Hospice alone or with other charities.

 

Cash Legacy
Cash gift's are always very welcome. Do remember however, that cash gift's tend to decrease in value over time. To avoid this you can either index link your gift or review it periodically to retain its original value.

Legacy in Kind
Specific items such as property, shares, jewellery or furniture can be gifted. Leaving the contents of your home as a gift in your Will is welcome as our shops can maximise the value of the gift for the hospice.

In addition, if you find yourself as a beneficiary under a Will, you can transfer all or part of your inheritance to St Clare Hospice using a ‘deed of variation’. This can be used to help reduce Inheritance Tax, and, depending upon the circumstances we may be able to claim gift aid on the gift.