Frequently asked questions about Gifts in Wills
For help and advice on how to leave a donation in your Will, we always recommend you use a solicitor. However to help you we have produced some information based on frequently asked questions.
What is a codicil form?
A codicil form gives you a simple way to make small changes to your existing Will. We would always recommend using a qualified solicitor when using this form. You can download a form here.
We have prepared some suggested wording to help you leave a legacy to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity - it just involves adding a clause to your Will. We would always suggest that you use a qualified solicitor to assist you with this, however have prepared some wording you might like to consider using.
What basic information do I need to include in my Will?
Please include our name, our address and our registered charity number as shown below:
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
Cherry Hinton Road,
Shelford Bottom
Cambridge
CB22 3FB
Registered Charity No 1133354
Can I add Arthur Rank Hospice Charity to my existing Will?
Fortunately, making changes to an existing will is very straightforward. If you want to add us to an existing Will, your solicitor simply attaches a written instruction, called a codicil. This must be done by your solicitor - don't make changes yourself as you may inadvertently invalidate your Will. The codicil will need the signature of two independent witnesses. You can download a copy of our codicil form from our website. If there are a number of changes you want to make, it may be better to make a new Will, which your solicitor can help you with.
What is meant by a percentage gift (residuary legacy) or cash gift (pecuniary legacy)?
The two main types of gifts (legacies) that people leave in their Will are residuary and pecuniary.
A percentage gift, also known as a residuary legacy, is when a person leaves a percentage of their estate to a charity. This means that, however much your estate is ultimately worth, you ensure your loved ones are looked after as well as giving a gift to your chosen charity. It also means you don't have to keep altering your Will as your circumstances change.
A cash gift, also known as a pecuniary legacy, is a set sum of money.
Some people also like to leave their personal possessions, such as jewellery, art and collectables, to the Hospice. These are know as specific gifts.
What wording should I use to leave a gift in my Will to Arthur Rank Hospice?
The following wording is for a percentage /residuary gift:
Subject to the payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, I give the whole/____% of my estate not otherwise disposed of by this my Will to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity: a charity registered in England and Wales (1133354) of Cherry Hinton Road, Shelford Bottom, Cambridge, CB22 3FB for the general purposes of the Arthur Rank Hospice and I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.
The following wording is for a cash / pecuniary gift:
I give free of tax to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity: a charity registered in England and Wales (1133354) of Cherry Hinton Road, Shelford Bottom, Cambridge, CB22 3FB the sum of £_____ for the general purposes of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.
What if my circumstances change?
With a properly worded Will, you can be safe in the knowledge that, should your circumstances change, your will automatically takes account of this. This gives you the assurance that you are able to look after yourself, friends and family whilst also knowing that you will still be doing something for your favourite charity if there is any money left over after you die.
Will leaving a gift in my Will affect my inheritance tax liability?
Gifts to charities in your Will are generally exempt from inheritance tax. If you leave a charitable gift it will be deducted from your estate before inheritance tax liability is calculated.
Do you have to have a lot of money to leave a gift in your Will?
No, this is not the case, a gift, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference to patient care. Your gift could pay for anything for an hour of nursing to a whole year – both will help ensure that our nurses are there for people who need us.
I support you now, isn’t that what’s most important?
We are so grateful to people like you, who are working with us now to provide today’s hospice care. However, many of our supporters also want to continue to supporting those who need our care well into the future and so also choose to leave a gift to the Hospice in their Will.