Please leave a legacy to A Rocha

Your will - a powerful instrument for good

How important is your will?

A properly expressed will is the only way to make sure your intentions are carried out; that your family is looked after, and the charities you care most about are provided for. Not leaving a will is the worst mistake of all. It could mean your wishes aren't recognized, and leaves a complicated situation for people left behind to sort out.
'Do it yourself' wills may also prove a false economy. Your intentions could be invalidated by a small error, so we recommend you seek advice from a solicitor.

Keeping your will up to date

Many things change during the course of your life. Getting married, for example, will invalidate all previous wills. People's situations, their families and concerns may alter. The provisions of your will need to reflect changes to your financial and family circumstances. Reviewing the provisions of your will every few years is strongly to be recommended. A simple codicil (a separate legal document which makes changes to the provisions of your existing will) may be all that is required.

Bequests to charities are tax-free

Bequests to charities do not incur tax. In certain circumstances - especially with larger estates - a bequest to A Rocha can bring positive tax advantages. Tax regulations can, however, change with any budget. If you think your estate may be subject to Inheritance Tax, make sure you review your will with the advice of your financial consultant or solicitor.

Thanks to A Rocha's work in Kenya, money generated from eco-tourism facilities provides local children with a secondary school education and also contributes to nature conservation.

Information for your solicitor

Simple errors in wording can create confusion and delay in carrying out people's wishes.  It is important, for example, that A Rocha's name and address are put properly into the will.  For the convenience of a solicitor who may be helping you draw up a will, here are a few examples of useful and accurate wordings:

Legacy of all or part of net estate

'I give to A Rocha International, Registered Charity Number 1136041, of 3 Hooper Street, Cambridge, CB1 2NZ the residue (or % share of the residue) of my estate absolutely and I direct that: i) the proceeds may be used for the general purposes of A Rocha International and ii) a receipt signed by the Administrator for the time being or another duly authorized officer shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my executors.'

Fixed sum legacy

'I give to A Rocha International, Registered Charity Number 1136041, of 3 Hooper Street, Cambridge, CB1 2NZ the sum of ______ and I direct that: (i) such money be used for the general purposes of A Rocha International and (ii) a receipt signed by the Administrator for the time being or another duly authorized officer shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my executors.'

It is particularly helpful for A Rocha if gifts are given to general funds, as they can then be used wherever they are most needed. However, if you want to leave money to a particular project, please insert the following wording into either of the above instructions instead of (i):

(i) it is my wish (without imposing any legal restriction) that the bequest is used to help the A Rocha project in ______ provided that in the reasonable opinion of the International Trustees there is a need of such funds for that project at the time of my death and (ii) ...

Donations in memory - instead of flowers

Many people would prefer to see donations made to their favourite charity in lieu of floral tributes. If this is stated in your will, the executors can make sure that your wishes are known. The following wording can be used:

'I request my executor to ensure that instead of flowers at my funeral, donations are made to A Rocha International, Registered Charity Number 1136041, of 3 Hooper Street, Cambridge, CB1 2NZ.'

Things to think about before you visit a solicitor

1. How much will your estate be worth?

It's worthwhile working out what your estate could be worth.
Here's a rough checklist of assets and liabilities:

2. Who do you want to benefit in your will?

The solicitor will need to know which portions of your estate are to go to each beneficiary.

3. Who will be your executors?

You should choose between one and four people to ensure your wishes are carried out.  You can choose your solicitor or bank manager or even your chief heir.

4. Are there special items which you want to go to special people?

Joint personal possessions will automatically go to the survivor. However, if you want particular possessions to go to other people, you will need an exact description of the items so that they can be specifically mentioned in your will.

5. Checklist of items to take with you to a solicitor

• Answers to the above questions
• Any previous will and supporting documents
• The full names and addresses of beneficiaries
• Details of your chosen executor(s)
• A list of jointly owned items
• The full names and addresses (and charity numbers) of charities you want to remember.