Leaving a legacy

If you include us in your will, whatever the value of the bequest, you will enable us to help Makaton users who otherwise we would not have the resources to support.

Why Make a Will?

If you die without a valid Will, the law will decide what happens to your assets - that may include your home and your most treasured possessions. If you are married or living with someone and die without leaving a Will, you cannot simply assume your partner will automatically inherit everything - and, should you die without leaving a Will and have no spouse or surviving relatives, the State is entitled to take everything.

A Will ensures that your wishes will be carried out and makes things easier for those you leave behind.

If you have not made a Will

Since your Will is a legal document - probably the most important document you will ever sign - a solicitor is the best person to write your Will for you. Because the law sometimes interprets everyday language in unexpected ways, drawing up a Will yourself could prove a costly mistake. A Will that is unclear can result in legal costs and wrangles can cause delay, causing further heartache for those left behind. Don't be afraid to seek advice and shop around. A simple Will could cost as little as £35.

Different types of legacies

There are three types of legacy:

Pecuniary or Specific Legacy

This means a specified amount of money or a specific item. (Rises in inflation affect the value of a pecuniary legacy over time, for example, a legacy of £1,000 written into a Will in 1980 would now be worth only £380).

The following wording will be helpful to your solicitor if you wish to support The Makaton Charity:

"I bequeath to The Makaton Charity of Manor House, 46 London Road, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey GU17 0AA (Registered Company number 06280108 / Registered Charity No. 1119819), (see note 1) for the general purposes of the charity; and I declare that the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer for the time being, or other proper Officer of the charity shall be a good discharge for the same."

Note 1: Insert here "the sum of £.......... (repeat in words)" or describe fully the items (s) or property bequeathed. In the case of property, please include the full address.

Residuary Legacy

The residue of your estate is all that is left of your estate once all legacies have been paid out and any debts have been settled. After remembering relatives and friends with any specific gifts, you may want to a leave the entire estate, or a share of it, to charity.

The following wording will be helpful to your solicitor if you wish to support The Makaton Charity:

"I bequeath to The Makaton Charity of Manor House, 46 London Road, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey GU17 0AA (Registered Company number 06280108 / Registered Charity No. 1119819), all or a .......... (see note 2) share of the residue of my estate; and I declare that the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer for the time being, or other proper Officer of the charity shall be a good discharge for the same."

Note 2: Insert here the proportion, percentage or fraction desired.

If you want to change your Will

It is quite simple to change your Will by adding an amendment or 'codicil'. You should review your Will periodically to ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes. If your circumstances change, for example if you marry, separate or divorce, you will need to make changes to your Will.

Remember, you should never write on your Will after it has been signed and witnessed as this will invalidate it.