Your frequently asked questions
There are three main ways to leave a gift in your will:
- A share of your estate, taken after other gifts, debts and expenses have been settled (known as a residual gift)
- A fixed-sum cash gift (a pecuniary gift)
- An item such as a painting or jewellery (a specific gift)
Please use a solicitor to draw one up. Any solicitor local to you can provide help or advice, and can ensure your will is legal and valid.
If you already have a will, it’s a good idea to review it to ensure it reflects your wishes. You can update your will any time. Including a beneficiary such as Northamptonshire Health Charity is very simple.
Charitable gifts are usually free of inheritance tax. Gifts in wills can also help reduce inheritance tax on the rest of your estate. A solicitor can advise you.
Most people are happy for their gift to be used wherever it is needed most. However, if you would like your donation to support a specific area or purpose, we will do our best to honour your wishes. Please contact us to discuss this further.
Contact the gifts in wills team
We know this is a big decision. Our friendly experts are happy to talk with you and answer any questions.