Free Will writing service
Looking after a very important part of your financial planning
We all know that making a Will is a very important part of our financial planning, yet many of us still haven't done so. Incredibly, 1 in 3 people die without having made this essential provision.
Generally, making a Will is easier than people think and it ensures that your assets pass on to those you would wish to benefit.
It’s often something we put-off or don’t like to think about, but if you haven’t written your Will or your circumstances have changed and you wish to review your existing arrangements, this could be the ideal opportunity to write or re-write your Will – and help safeguard your Estate.
How does the free Will service work?
Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) offers a free Will writing service online and through legal advisors we have partnered with; this means your Will is professionally written without any charge to you or CHSW for this service.
If you have not written your Will or your Will needs updating, perhaps because of a life event, such as a marriage or the birth of a child, we strongly recommend you do so as soon as possible. If you do not have a valid Will your Estate is Intestate, this means your wishes may not be honoured, and your Estate may not benefit those you would have intended.
How can I find more information or take part?
Simply contact our Legacy Officer who will be able to provide further information and answer any questions you may have and provide you with contact details for your local participating solicitor.
Please note
- CHSW are not charged by the firms for providing this scheme to our supporters.
- CHSW will not be informed of any arrangements made and these are treated as strictly confidential.
- CHSW will not be liable or held accountable for any information or advice that you are provided with by the Solicitors and we do not endorse products or businesses. Please ensure you discuss your requirements fully with your chosen solicitor to ensure it meets your needs.
Octopus Legacy
A Will is the best way to protect your assets and your loved ones. Octopus Legacy offer a fully advised free Will writing service for supporters of Children's Hospice South West conducted by one of their expert advisors.
Request further information
If you would like further information about our free Will writing service or to ask a question about anything related to Wills, from leaving us a gift in your Will to administering an Estate, please complete our Wills enquiry form and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, without obligation and in complete confidence.
Whatever its size, your legacy makes a big difference to short and precious lives.
Inheritance tax
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is the amount paid to HMRC from your Estate if it is over the threshold. Some exemptions can be taken into account, such as the unused amount from the married couples allowance, please discuss this with your solicitor or legal advisor. You can minimise any liability by leaving a gift in your Will to CHSW as gifts to charity are free of IHT. In addition, as part of the Legacy10 campaign, leaving 10% or more of your Estate to charity means that your IHT burden will reduce from the current rate of 40% to 36%.
Further information
Visit GOV.UK to find further information on inheritance tax (including current rates).
Legacy glossary of terms
Legal language can sometimes be confusing. To make it just that little bit easier, here is a list of the more common terms you are likely to come across.
Administrator
The person appointed by the court to administer your affairs if you do not leave a Will.
Assets
All your money, goods and possessions.
Beneficiary
Any person or organisation named in your Will who will receive a legacy or bequest (gift).
Bequest / legacy
A gift of money, property or other asset in a Will.
Codicil
An additional document to your existing Will, making a simple change. It must also be drawn up legally and be witnessed.
Conditional legacy
A gift that will only take effect if a certain event occurs.
Crown
The official term for where your money goes if you die without leaving a Will and without any next of kin. In practice, this means the HMRC.
Estate
The total sum of your possessions, property and money (minus debts) left after your death.
Executor (male) / Executrix (female)
Someone you appoint to carry out the instructions in your Will. The Executors can be a solicitor, trust company, bank, charity or a friend or family member. Up to four Executors can act, and quite often the main beneficiary of your estate is named as an Executor.
Inheritance Tax (IHT)
A tax charged if the value of your Estate is above a certain limit. Inheritance Tax is set by the government which may be payable on death depending on the value of the estate and intended beneficiaries. Most people do not pay IHT due to the Nil Rate Band (currently the first £325,000 of your estate) and spouses are also exempt.
Furthermore, charities are also exempt from IHT so it is possible to give your whole estate to charity without paying any IHT or reducing the IHT with a bequest to charity. For more information please see our guide to Inheritance Tax.
Intestate
To have died without having made a Will or without a valid Will.
Legacy
A bequest or gift left in your Will. It can be in the form of money, property, stocks and shares or possessions.
Legator
Someone who has left a legacy in their Will.
Liabilities
Obligations (debts) which may need to be settled after you death.
Mirror Wills
This is when a husband, wife or partner make almost identical Wills leaving for example, everything to each other should one partner die, and if both die together then direct to another agreed beneficiary.
Pecuniary legacy/bequest
A gift of a fixed sum of money in your Will.
Pledge
To promise a gift (not legally binding).
Probate
The legal procedure after death, which confirms your Will is valid and confirms the executors’ authority to carry out your wishes.
It’s the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of the deceased, resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person's property under a Will.
Residue
The remainder of your Estate after all the debts have been paid and all your pecuniary and specific bequests have been made.
Residuary legacy/bequest
A gift of the remainder of your Estate after all other bequests have been made and debts cleared.
Restricted Fund
Monies or property required to be held for a specific project or cause, rather than for the general funds of a charity.
Specific legacy
A gift of a particular item, such as property, antiques, jewellery and shares.
Testator / Testatrix
The person who has made the Will.
Trustee
If your Will sets up a trust (for example a life interest trust), the trustees will be the people or organisations specified in your Will to manage the trust property according to the terms of the trust for the benefit of its beneficiaries, once the administration of the rest of your estate has been completed.
Their role is similar to the Executors of your estate and often, at least initially, will be your Executors.
Will
A legal document by which the testator states what they want to happen with their estate following their death.