A gift in your Will: Your questions answered
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about
leaving a gift in your Will are given
below.
Where should I keep my Will?
Your solicitor may be able to keep your Will as part of their
service. Make sure you keep a copy of it along with any codicils
and details of your assets in a safe place.
Let your executors know where to find everything.
I am happy with my Will, but I want to include a gift to
Parkinson's UK. What's the easiest way to do it?
A codicil can add a gift to an existing Will without affecting
the rest of the document. We strongly advise you to talk to your
solicitor to help you do this.
Do not write on or amend your existing Will as you could make
the whole Will invalid.
How should I prepare for meeting my solicitor?
If you haven't yet made a Will, it's a good idea to make a list
of all your assets, as well as any outstanding debts you have. Our
'My Assets' form (PDF, 426KB) can help you
make sure you have remembered everything.
You can also use our 'My Wishes' form (PDF, 467KB) to write down
your personal details and wishes that could help your next of kin.
Make sure you pass it on to your next of kin or your solicitor for
safekeeping.
Is the law the same across the UK?
The law is not the same across the UK. Scotland, Northern
Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have different
laws from England and Wales.
You should talk to a solicitor who practices in the other
jurisdictions if you'd like more advice.
I don't think I have enough money to make a Will worthwhile.
What should I do?
Most people are surprised by just how much the value of their
home, possessions and savings add up to.
By using our 'My Assets' form (PDF, 426KB), you'll be
able to assess the value of your assets.
How should I choose an executor?
It's a good idea to name at least two people as executors, in
case one becomes unable to act for you in the future.
Making someone an executor doesn't stop them benefiting in your
will.
You can choose a bank or solicitor to act as executor if you
wish.
If you do not have a suitable executor, Parkinson's UK is a
trust corporation and can be an executor for you. If you'd like to
find out more about this, please call our Legacy
Administration Manager on 020 7932 1301.
Does Parkinson's UK need to know about what I am planning
to do?
If you decide to leave a gift in your Will to us, we would be
very grateful if you could let us know your intentions. You can
complete and return our 'My intentions' form (PDF, 462KB) to do
this.
Of course, we will treat your details in complete confidence.
Letting us know your intentions leaves you under no obligation to
leave a gift.
Who should I get to witness my signature on my Will?
To ensure that your Will is valid, it is important to have it
witnessed properly. You will need two witnesses over the age of
18.
It is important to note that a beneficiary, or their spouse or
civil partner, should not be used as a witness as they will lose
the benefit of their gift. However, the will itself will remain
valid.
Contact us
If you would like to talk in confidence about how to include a
gift in your Will to Parkinson's UK or would like further
information call Chris Brodrick on 020 7963 9344 or email legacies@parkinsons.org.uk
We understand that your Will is a private matter and will keep
anything discussed confidential and without obligation.
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