LEGACIES -- How to leave a gift in your Will

Will Preparation Form

To help you prepare for the meeting with your solicitor, we’ve prepared a simple, but useful Will Preparation Form that you can use to ensure you have all the information you will need.
It will help you work out what your estate could be worth after assets and liabilities are allowed for.
Simply print it out, fill in your details and take along to your meeting. It will save time and make things a bit easier for both you and your solicitor. Download our Will Preparation Form (392 kb)  (392 kb)
If you do not have one already, The Law Society can help you find a solicitor in your area.

• If you have already made a Will, and want to add to it or amend it to include a legacy, this can be done easily through a ‘codicil’ which your solicitor will help you to write.
• We can also now record a legacy pledge in a new or existing Tribute Fund . When we eventually receive the gift, its value will be included within the Fund's overall fundraising total together with any other gifts and donations already received.  Please email Tribute Fund enquiries to request your copy of our "Tribute Fund with Legacy" booklet.

Can the Association act as an Executor of my Will?

• Yes. The Association has acquired Trust Corporation status, strengthening our ability to support those wishing to leave a legacy to the Association in their Will.
  It enables us to take the role of Executor for a supporter who is intending to leave part, or all, of their estate to the MND Association.
• Important note: individuals may continue to leave legacies without appointing the Association as Executor; the Trust Corporation status simply enables us to support those whose Executors cannot, or do not wish to administer an estate, or supporters who do not wish to appoint individuals as Executors.
  

Leaving a legacy to the MND Association in your Will is straightforward, and it is exempt from inheritance tax

There are different types of legacy, but the most popular ones are:

• Residuary legacy: Usually shown as a percentage of what is left over when all cash legacies and gifts have been made, debts and expenses deducted and any Inheritance tax paid in full. This type of Legacy rises in value with inflation and is the best possible gift you can leave to the Association.
• Pecuniary legacy: a specified amount of money
• Specific legacy: a gift, that can be in almost any form eg. House, land, jewellery, paintings, car etc
• Contingent gift: a gift that has certain conditions attached.

The Importance of Making a Will

• A valid Will is vital to ensure your wishes are honoured. Telling those close to you is not enough.
• If you are married or living with someone and die without a Will, you cannot assume that your partner will automatically inherit everything.
•  An unclear Will can result in wrangles and legal costs that eat into the value of your estate, causing unnecessary additional heartache for those left behind.
  'But making a Will costs hundreds of pounds'
  In most cases a solicitor will draft a simple Will from around £100

Don't forget...

If your circumstances or wishes change, it is essential to review your Will to ensure that it is still relevant. You may need to update it if for example you get married or divorced, or if children or grandchildren are born.

Keep your Will safe. A lost Will is no use to anyone. You can leave the original copy of your Will with your solicitor or your bank for safekeeping. Alternatively, for a one off fee of around £15 you can deposit it with:
The Safe Custody Clerk
Probate Department
Principal Registry of the Family Division
High Court of Justice
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London WC1V 6NP
Tel: 020 7947 6000 to request an information pack and special envelope in which to place your Will.