Q. Why make a will?

A. In a will you can make sure that your loved ones are provided for. You can also ensure that your assets are distributed in the way you want them to be. This may include some of your estate being directed towards causes close to your heart.

Q. What could happen if I don’t make a will?

A. If you die intestate (that is, without making a will), the law decides how your estate is distributed and the people you care about may not receive anything. Legal problems may arise which can be time consuming and expensive, with all legal costs being met from your estate. By making a will you can save a lot of distress and anxiety for your loved ones.

If you live outside the UK or own property abroad, your solicitor will also advise on any special rules that apply in your country.

Q. Do I need to make a will if I have no one to leave my possessions to?

A. Even if you have no surviving family, making a will is still very important, because if you die without making one your whole estate may automatically go to the Crown if you are a British citizen. Drawing up a will ensures that your money only benefits the people, animals or causes you care about.

Q. What if I live outside the UK or own assets abroad?

A. Please consult your legal adviser as they laws vary depending on country and your residential status. 

Q. When should I make a will?

A. The sooner the better. It is particularly important at key points in your life. For example, when you marry, buy property, have children or plan long-term travel.

Q. Should I use a solicitor when writing my will?

A. Yes. The knowledge a solicitor has will make sure that your wishes are fulfilled and that the document is legal and correct. A will form can be bought from some stationers but one simple mistake could prevent your wishes from being carried out. For instance, there are rules governing the way a will should be witnessed and, if done incorrectly, the whole document can be invalid. A beneficiary cannot be a witness, for example.

In the long run, using a solicitor is cheaper than the legal costs of processing your estate if you don’t make a will, or if it is invalid.

If you don’t know a solicitor, ask someone you trust to recommend one.

Q. What does it cost to make a will?

A. Fees for straightforward wills are not high and most solicitors can give you an estimate over the telephone.

Q. Can Cruelty Free International help me write my will?

A. Our Remembrance and Legacy Manager, Angela Bunting, would be happy to help with any queries but please note that she is not qualified to advise as a solicitor would. Please contact Angela at angela.bunting@crueltyfreeinternational.org or call her direct line on 0300 003 0577 (calls charged at local rate). Angela is available Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm. 

Q. What are the first steps to take when making a will?

A. Before meeting your solicitor it is worth preparing a list of all your assets and liabilities to find out the value of your estate, because this will save you time and money. The checklist below will help you to do this (any items of particular personal and sentimental value that you may wish to leave to specific people should be listed separately).

By subtracting your liabilities from your assets you can estimate the value of your estate. Once you know what you have to leave, you can decide how you wish to distribute it.

It is worth noting that your estate may be liable to inheritance tax, although the whole or any part of your estate left to a spouse is exempt from tax, provided she/he is living within the UK. The inheritance tax threshold and rate does change from time to time, but your solicitor will advise you on this.

You will also need to appoint one or two executors to make sure that the terms of your will are carried out. An executor can be a beneficiary of your will but must be over the age of 18. The executor will have legal duties and an obligation to follow your wishes, so you should ask the person you have in mind if they are willing to act on your behalf.

Assets (current value)	£	Liabilities	£
Property		Mortgage
Car, bicycle etc.		Loans
Bank/Building Society accounts		Overdraft
Stocks and shares		Credit card debits
Insurance policies		Hire purchase arrangements
Pension benefits		Unpaid bills
Personal possessions		Other liabilities
Other items of value
Total		Total

 

Q. What about my funeral costs?

A. These expenses will be paid from your estate and your solicitor can advise you on the likely cost. Any wishes you have concerning your funeral arrangements may be stated in your will.

Q. Can I change my will?

A. You can change your will as often as you wish but this should always be done through your solicitor.

For small changes, a ‘codicil’ can be added to your will. This is a separate legal document that must be signed and witnessed in the correct legal manner. In some instances it may be necessary to complete an entirely new will, such as if you marry or become divorced. If you are in doubt about whether a particular change in your family or personal circumstances necessitates a change to your will, please speak to your solicitor.

Q. Where should I keep my will once it’s made?

A. Keep it safe and tell your executor where it is. Many people leave their will with their solicitor but keep a copy themselves. Codicils should be kept with the will.

Useful terms

Some of the terms you will hear from your solicitor may be unfamiliar and you may find the definitions below helpful:

Intestate - die without having made a valid will

A bequest - the promise of a gift in the event of your death

A residuary legacy - percentage or share of your estate

A pecuniary legacy - a cash sum

A specific legacy - item specified by you

Codicil - legal document to make small changes to your will

Contact us

If you wish to discuss your legacy gift to Cruelty Free International please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Remembrance and Legacy Manager Angela Bunting, on 0300 003 0577 (calls charged at local rate) or email Angela.Bunting@CrueltyFreeInternational.org (Monday - Thursday inclusive).

Should you have a legacy enquiry outside of these times, please contact Deputy CEO and Finance Director, Julian Littaur, on 020 7619 6987 or Julian.Littaur@CrueltyFreeInternational.org. 

Naturally, any information you provide us with will be treated with the strictest confidence and puts you under no obligation.

Thank you for considering leaving a gift to Cruelty Free International.