Leave a Legacy
Introduction
The primary reason for making a Will is to provide for your spouse, children and other family members according to your wishes. It’s one special way of letting them know how much you care for them. A Will is also a way of expressing gratitude to friends who would otherwise receive nothing from your estate without your special instructions. It’s a lasting reminder of your love for all those people, both family and friends, that are special to you.
A Will for whatever reason is vital. It’s a legal record of your wishes concerning the distribution of your assets. You specify how you wish those assets to be distributed. You also have an opportunity to give memorial support to the causes which have been most important to you in your life.
Remembering Family & Life in your Will is a wonderful way of expressing your love for God’s creation and a timeless testament to your unselfish sacrifice for the cause of human rights and the establishment of a more caring, loving society where the weak and innocent are free from abortion.
Making a Will or amending your existing Will is easy. All you have to do is tell your solicitor what you want, and he will take care of the details. (S)he will advise you what kind of bequest is most suitable for you, so that your wishes will be carried out to the letter.
If you would like to remember Family & Life in your Will, there are three kinds of legacy you may leave.
1. Pecuniary
A pecuniary legacy is a specified sum of money, determined when the Will or codicil is written.
2. Specific
A specific legacy is the bequest of a particular item of value. This can include stocks, shares, proceeds of a life assurance policy, property, furniture, jewellery etc.
3. Residuary
A residuary legacy is the gift of the residue of your estate, or a share of the residue after other bequests to your family and friends have been made and all debts, taxes and expenses have been paid.
If you already have a Will, it is easy to amend it to include a gift to Family & Life. You can amend your existing Will by completing a codicil, which your solicitor will help you draw up. Your solicitor or legal advisor may find the suggested wording below useful:
1. Pecuniary Legacy
“I give to Family & Life 26 Mountjoy Square Dublin 1, Ireland, registered charity number CHY12245 the sum of €… (in figures) and €….(in words) for the general purposes of the charity, and I direct that a receipt of the Treasurer or other duly authorised officer of the charity shall be sufficient discharge for my executors.”
2. Specific Legacy
“I give devise and bequeath to Family & Life 26 Mountjoy Square Dublin 1, Ireland, registered charity number CHY12245, my (description of property) for the general purposes of the charity, and I direct that a receipt of the Treasurer or other duly authorised officer of the charity shall be sufficient discharge for my executors.”
3. Residuary Legacy
“I give devise and bequeath all (or a share of) the residue of my estate to Family & Life 26 Mountjoy Square Dublin 1, Ireland, registered charity number CHY12245 for its general purposes and direct that the receipt(s) of the Treasurer or other duly authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge for my executors.”