Leave a Legacy
| A message from Chief Execuitive, Linda Chivers.
"It is impossible to stress how important legacy income is to us. Being one of our largest single sources of unrestricted income it makes a significant contribution to the positive effect we can have on people's lives. For many the most important thing you can do when make a will is to ensure that your family is properly and adequately provided for. Having done that, for those who are in a position to make a charitable provision, we would ask you to consider Age Concern Central Lancashire. For those local people who benefit from the care we provide that support can be beyond price, a gift in your will can help us to continue to provide that care. By its very nature, it is impossible to thank those who leave us a gift in their will. If possible I would like to acknowledge your thinking of us and will do so if you will let me know if you are including Age Concern Central Lancashire in your Will. Obviously we hope your gift will be a long time in coming but it will give me the opportunity to thank you now and tell you how much your kindness is appreciated." In recent years all income that has been left to the charity through gifts in wills has been 100% used to support our Community Support and Information Service. This vital service helps people deal with issues they are facing, be that applying to recieve welfare benefits which can transform their lives, dealing with heating problems or offering information on how to choose a care home. Without this service many older people would have no-one to turn to. One of the added benefits of our service is that our staff and volunteers are able to visit people in their own homes and are all highly trained. If you would like to leave a gift to Age Concern Central Lancashire in your will and require any further information please do not hesitate to contact either your solicitor or the Chief Executive at Age Concern Central Lancashire . Why is it important I make a will? Ask yourself the following: If you died, who would receive the benefit of your estate? Your wife, husband, partner, children, friends? Not necessarily if you have not made a will! In the absence of a Will the law decides how your estate would be divided. Could you be sure it would act in the way you would have wanted. Of course not! The law does not know you, your thoughts or your wishes. Indeed the Government could end up benefiting! The only certain way for your estate to be distributed in the way you would wish, is to make a Will. Do you realise that bequests and legacies can be tax efficient? Do you know what makes a Will legal? Once your family and friends are provided for would you like to benefit your favourite charities? For peace of mind for yourself and your family, we recommend you seek professional advice.
Q: How do I go about making a Will? Go and see a Solicitor. If you need information or support to do this we can offer this. Q: Is it expensive? The cost will vary according to how complicated the Will is. Solicitor charges can vary but a correctly completed will can reduce anguish and hardship to a loved one. Q: Is it difficult? No. Your Solicitor will guide you through it. Q: What should I do before I go to see the solicitor? Get prepared. Make a list of your assets. e.g. savings, property, insurance policies, jewellery etc. Also any liabilities such as mortgage or loans. Have the names and addresses of your beneficiaries, particularly those to whom you would like to leave specific items and any charities you wish to benefit. Think about who you would like as your Executor, the person you feel will best ensure your wishes are carried out when you die. Make sure that this person is happy to take on that role. Q: I already have a Will - should I update it? An individual's circumstances are always changing. You may have re-married, become divorced, your estate may have increased greatly in value. It is always wise to keep your Will regularly updated. Remember: Q: I have made adequate provision for my family and friends. How do I leave a legacy or gift to Age Concern Central Lancashire ? Ask your solicitor to include such a gift in your Will. The wording will depend on the type fo gift you wish to leave. If you are leaving a specific gift be clear on what that is, i.e. an exact sum of money or a specific item, e.g.:- "I give the sum of £.... (or the item to be specified) to Age Concern Central Lancashire, Arkwright House, Stoneygate, Preston, PR1 3XT (Registered charity number 1130384) for its general charitable purposes". You may if you wish stipulate how you would like your gift to be used but bear in mind this may not be appropriate or practical for the charity in future years. If you are leaving all or part of the residue of your estate, i.e. the residue is what is left from your estate after you have made specific bequests:- "I give (enter the word 'all' or 'a share') of the residue of my estate to Age Concern Central Lancashire, Arkwright House, Stoneygate, Preston, PR1 3XT (Registered charity number 1130384) for its general charitable purposes". You may if you wish stipulate how you would like your gift to be used but bear in mind this may not be appropriate or practical for the charity in future years. A legacy or gift to Age Concern Central Lancashire could help us to:
For any more help or advice please contact your Solicitor or the Chief Executive. |
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Older Peoples Forums' in Preston and South Ribble
Aims/ Purpose of the Forum To improve the quality of life and promote independence for people over ... Full story