Making a Will
What is a Will?
A Will is a legal document, formally witnessed and signed, which lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death. You can also record your funeral wishes in this document.
Some people choose to include a gift to causes that are close to their hearts when drawing up their Wills.
Why write my Will?
Writing or reviewing your Will is one of the most important things you can do. Having an updated copy makes it much easier for your loved ones to follow your wishes when you're gone. If you don't have a valid Will, your personal wishes may not be followed. In this case, everything you own will be shared following certain rules.
If at least 10% of your taxable estate is left to charity, the inheritance tax rate for the rest of your estate drops from 40% to 36%. There is no obligation to leave us a gift. But, if you choose to, you'll make a real difference for generations to come.
When is the best time to make a Will?
Anytime. Think you've got nothing to leave? Everyone has something to leave - be it a piece of furniture, a property or just £50. The purpose of a Will is to put down what you would want to happen when something happens to you.
Can I change my Will?
Yes! You should consider reviewing it at least every few years, or any time there is a change in your circumstances.
If the change is minor - for example removing or adding a beneficiary - you can create a Codicil to your Will. This document allows you to make a small change without having to rewrite your Will. Always consult your solicitor on your proposed changes so they can advice you on the best approach.
When should I update my Will?
It's time to update your Will when you have a change in your circumstances. For example, you get married or enter into a civil partnership, when you purchase a property, or when you have children.
Or whenever you would like to change what happens to the things you'll leave behind.
What is a mirror Will?
A mirror Will is where spouses, civil partners or cohabitees produce a set of Wills that reflect one another. The terms are the same in each document, but reflected. For example, they might leave everything to each other in the first instance, and then to the same beneficiaries on the second death.
What happens if I don't make a Will?
If you don't make a Will, then your estate will go under the intestacy provisions. This means they won't necessarily go where you want them to go. A Will is the only way of ensuring everything you own goes to the people and causes you care about.
It's important you let those you trust know your wishes, and the best way is by having a valid Will.
Who can be my executor?
Anyone you know, and trust, to carry out your wishes when you're gone. Being an executor can be a difficult job. It's a good idea to speak to them when drawing up your Will to check they are comfortable taking it on.
You can also appoint a 'professional executor' to administer your estate. This could be your solicitor, or a Probate Practitioner, for example.
If you are an executor and would like to let us know about a gift, please complete this form, or contact the Team on 01227 782060.
Leaving a gift to Pilgrims Hospices in your Will
If you choose to leave a gift to Pilgrims, you will be doing something incredible, supporting the care of future generations.
What gift can I leave?
Residuary
This is a percentage, or the balance, of your estate once all other payments have been made. It won’t lose its value over time, and if you leave a proportion to Pilgrims you can still ensure other beneficiaries are looked after.
Pecuniary
This is a gift of a fixed sum of money, eg £1,000.
Specific
This is a gift of a specific item, such as a personal possession, a property or shares. Through our experienced Retail team we have the expertise to achieve the best price for any gift kindly donated.
If you choose to leave Pilgrims in your Will, please ensure you include the below information:
Charity Name: Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent
Registered Address: 56 London Road, Canterbury, CT2 8JA
Registered Charity Number: 293968
Can I choose how my gift is spent?
Yes. You can specify in your Will if you would like your gift to be used for one of the hospices in particular. Please express this as a non-binding wish. We do our best to fulfil your wishes, but if it's not possible, the funds will be spent on the services we provide across east Kent. Please get in touch with our Gifts in Wills team if you would like more information:
Call: 01227 782060
Email: [email protected]
Isn't it better to support you now, rather than later?
Both are great. Many people who leave a gift to Pilgrims also support us during their lifetime, by donating, fundraising or playing our Lottery. Their gift then becomes their final act of kindness.
Others use their Will to support our specialist care for the first time, leaving a lasting legacy to the people of east Kent.
You can speak to our Gifts in Wills Team about the variety of ways you can support us, including leaving gift:
Call: 01227 782060
Email: [email protected]
Can I change my mind?
We understand that life can take many different twists and turns, most that aren’t planned for. You can change your mind about leaving a gift to Pilgrims at any point. Make sure your Will is updated to reflect your wishes.
How will my gift be used?
Every gift left to us in Wills is used to provide end-of-life care to the people of east Kent. If you are considering leaving a gift to Pilgrims in your Will, please contact our Gifts in Wills Team. They would love to speak to you about the impact your generosity will have for generations to come.
Call: 01227 782060
Email: [email protected]
Do I need to to tell Pilgrims Hospices if I'm leaving a gift in my Will?
We will never ask you to tell us your intentions.
But, if you choose to, then we are able to say thank you!
You can speak to our friendly Gifts in Wills Team on 01227 782060 or email [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!
Gifts in Wills Glossary
Assets: Generally, everything you own. For example, a property, household goods, savings, investments, a car, etc.
Beneficiary: Any person, charity or organisation that you leave a gift to in your will.
Bequest, or legacy: A gift in your Will.
Chattels: Anything you own that can be moved. For example, the contents of your house, furniture, personal belongings or a car.
Codicil: A document that makes a small addition or change to your Will.
Estate: The total sum of all your possessions, property and money (including life insurance policies and shares).
Executor: Someone you've named in your Will to take legal responsibility for carrying out your instructions regarding your estate. If you haven't left a Will, or those named are unwilling or unable to fulfil the role, a court may appoint an administrator in their place.
Inheritance Tax: The tax due on your estate if it exceeds a certain threshold.
Intestate: A person who has died without a legally valid Will in place.
Letter of Wishes: A document, usually kept with a copy of your Will, that lays out things you would like to happen. These wishes are not legally binding, and are followed at the discretion of your executor(s).
Probate: The legal administrative process of administering a dead person’s estate. It involves your executors proving their legal right to deal with your estate. Then they can pay any taxes and debts owed, organise your assets, and distribute them as inheritance.