Leave a gift in your will - FAQs

What is a legacy?

Legacies and bequests are gifts given in your will. They can be to a particular person, or to an organisation such as a charity. Although these gifts aren't immediate, they are a vital source of income for charities.

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What is the difference between a codicil and a pledge form?

A codicil is a supplement or appendix to a will, but it is not legally binding on its own. In order to include the codicil in your will, you should seek the advice of a solicitor. A pledge form is just a notice of intent – letting the charity know of your intentions to leave them a gift in your will. Again, a pledge form is not legally binding and advice should be sought from a solicitor before making any legal changes to your will.

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Why can't I view the codicil or pledge form documents?

The documents are uploaded as pdf files, so you will need to have Adobe installed in order to view these files. You can download a free version of Adobe here.

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Why is the codicil / pledge form for my charity different to the one on the legacy homepage?

Some charities have chosen to upload their own forms to make sure they capture all the information relevant to them. The content of these forms is solely the responsibility of the charity, so if you have any questions about information contained within a charity's personalised codicil or pledge form, please contact them directly.

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Do I need to do anything once I have filled in the online form to ensure my gift is directed appropriately?

Yes. On its own, the codicil form is not a legal document. You will need to print out the form and take it along to your solicitor. This in itself is not a will, it is just an attachment to your existing will. Your solicitor will then be able to take the necessary measures to ensure the document becomes legal. To find a solicitor in your area, visit www.search4solicitors.com

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How much of my estate do I have to leave to charity in order for my children / family / loved ones to avoid paying inheritance tax?

A charitable gift of a percentage of your estate could make the rest of your estate exempt from inheritance tax. This question is covered in more detail in The Tax Benefits of Leaving a LegacyThe article also discusses the reductions in inheritance tax rates when a charitable bequest is left in your will.

Click here to go to the legacy homepage where you'll find helpful articles, downloadable forms and useful links.