Legacies: Questions and answers
When do I need to update my Will?
If all your gifts are stated as a share of your estate, this can protect you from needing to change your estate when its value goes up or down.
You may need to update your Will should one of your beneficiaries pass away before you, but you can accommodate this possibility in the wording of your Will – a solicitor will be able to advise you how.
If you wish to add a beneficiary – for example, to act on your decision to leave a gift to WSPA or perhaps because of the birth of another child or grandchild – then you can usually amend your Will with a simple codicil form. To help you do this and ensure that the form is valid, we recommend that you consult a solicitor – a codicil form must be signed and witnessed with the same legal formalities as a Will.
Can I request that my gift goes towards a specific area of work?
It is preferable that your Will does not specify a restriction as to how the funds can be used. But you can allow WSPA to decide how your gift will best protect animals in need, at the time it is received. Though we have long-term plans in place, animal welfare needs may change over time and it is important that we are able to protect those animals that need us most.
If one particular aspect of WSPA’s work means a great deal to you, please contact our Legacy Officer on 0845 073 7500 or at giftsinwills@wspa.org.uk to discuss your gift.
Who should act as an executor for my Will?
You can appoint whomever you wish as your executor but we recommend that you gain their agreement first as it can involve a lot of work and time, particularly if there is property to be sold.
Your executor can be a friend or family member or you can hire a professional, such as a solicitor, accountant or even a bank – though of course your estate will need to pay their fees.
If you chose to remember WSPA in your Will, you would be able to appoint WSPA as your executor. The WSPA Executor Service is free of charge and was granted Trust Corporation Status by the Lord Chancellor’s Office, enabling us to act as an executor to Wills. If you would like to find out more about the WSPA Executor Service, please contact our Legacy Officer Kathy on 0845 073 7500 or at giftsinwills@wspa.org.uk
How do I appoint a solicitor?
You can find local solicitors who specialise in Wills and probate and tax law by contacting your local Law Society. In England and Wales visit: www.lawsociety.org.uk or call the general enquiries line on 020 7242 1222. In Scotland, visit: www.lawscot.org.uk or call 0131 226 7411. And in Northern Ireland, visit: www.lawsoc–ni.org.uk or call 028 9023 1614.
Before you appoint a solicitor, remember to ask how much they would charge for preparing your Will or codicil, or acting as an executor. WSPA also monitor the level of fees charged by solicitors for administrating estates – our specialist Legacy Officer works alongside executors to ensure that the value of gifts is maximised, and all wishes are fulfilled.
Will leaving a gift to WSPA save tax?
It may do. Inheritance tax does not apply to a gift to WSPA in your Will, and this may save tax that your beneficiaries would have to pay otherwise. Tax is a complex area of law.
Where can I find example wording for my Will?
Our gifts in Wills glossary explains the main terms surrounding gifts in Wills and includes wording for your Will
Should I inform you if I have already left a gift in my Will?
If you have already remembered us in your Will, it is your decision if you would like to inform us about it but we would love to hear from you.
Where can I find out more?
You can download ‘protect what matters’, our information pack
To make an enquiry...
Call our legacy officer Kathy on 0845 073 7500 or at giftsinwills@wspa.org.uk
Who would take care of my pets?
Please see WSPA Member Society The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (RSPCA)Home for Life service, for more information on this.
Connect with WSPA on:
