Protecting your Will
We understand that in some situations the will may be contested and work to ensure assets are distributed to their rightful owners.
Securing you assets
We understand the importance of giving clear and practical advice to ensure everyone involved is secure
Leaving your loved ones
We offer highly reliable and accurate will writing draft services in order for your final wishes to be secured to the best of your knowledge.
Discussing legacies
Setting up your family for a secure life once you're gone can be done at ease with us.
Wills – Donating to Charity
Wills – Donating to Charity
Many people wish to leave money to a charity in their will – this is referred to as a legacy.
Gifts and donations to a charity or charities in a will do not usually attract inheritance tax if the chosen charity has an HMRC reference number exempting them from the tax (known as a Charity Reference Number).
It is possible to leave money or assets such as property or valuables to a charity – and also to stipulate your wishes regarding use of that property or money: for example, it must be used for a specific purpose to benefit the charity, or those using the charity.
Leaving money to a charity in a will can be tax efficient – leaving more than 10% of an estate to a charity can reduce the rate of inheritance tax paid, with the amount donated subtracted from the value of the estate before inheritance tax is deducted.
To ensure that a chosen charity or charities receive your gift without paying inheritance tax, it is advisable to take expert legal advice from a specialist Wills and Probate solicitor when drafting your will.
Wills that are not correctly drafted can be declared void – and wills also need to be updated if your circumstances change; for example, if you marry, remarry, cohabit, or have children.
Some charities may offer to assist with the preparation of a will, or even the cost of making a will in which the charity will receive a legacy. If you are intending to leave a legacy to a charity, it is advisable to obtain independent legal advice and not to use a member of the charity as a signatory to a will, as this may lead to the will being contested in the future.
Duncan Lewis Wills and Probate Solicitors – Wills and Donating to a Charity
Duncan Lewis Wills and Probate solicitors can advise individuals, couples and charities on legacies – and any tax or legal implications when a donor leaves a legacy to a charity in their will.
Duncan Lewis offers competitively-priced fixed fees for wills, whenever possible – and hourly rates for contentious wills and probate matters.
For expert legal advice on wills and donating to a charity, call Duncan Lewis Wills and Probate solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.