Writing, or amending a will, can feel daunting. Especially if you’ve got a lot on your plate. We want to make it as easy as possible, so we’ve put together questions that come up often. Hopefully we’ve covered everything but we’re here if you need to talk to us. Email us at team@gbch.org.uk or call us on 020 8320 5875.
Why do I need a will?
Having a will means that, when the time comes, your final wishes will be honoured. And at a time when your loved ones are dealing with practicalities, along with their grief, having a will means one less thing for them to worry about.
Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to inheritance laws, rather than going to the people and charities you intended. Having a will makes your wishes clear.
When should I write a will?
Because life is unpredictable, it’s never too soon to write a will. Many people write a will when there are significant changes in their life – such as getting married, divorced, widowed, buying a house, having children or retiring. A will should be part of life planning – whatever stage of life you’re at.
How do I write a will?
As a will is a legal document, it is important to use a solicitor or a trained professional. If you don’t have a solicitor, you can find one through the Law Society.
Through our partner, Farewill, you can book a free 15-minute call to speak with a specialist about writing your will.
Why should I leave a gift in my will to the Community Hospice?
Dying is part of life. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with, or easy to accept.
We’re here to help make the journey as smooth as possible for anyone in the community who needs end of life care. Whether it’s support in their own home, in hospital, or at our Community Hospice.
By leaving a gift to us, you’re helping us to lift some of the weight off their shoulders, so that they can make the time they have left, matter.
How do I leave a gift in my will?
Your solicitor or a specialist will advise you about the specific wording you will need to leave a gift. If you are leaving a gift to us, you will need the following information: Community Hospice, a charity registered in England and Wales, no. 1017406. Registered address: Community Hospice, 185 Bostall Hill, London, SE2 0GB.
What if there’s not much left after taking care of my loved ones?
Of course, your family and loved ones must come first. But a gift in your will, no matter how big or small, helps us to secure hospice care for generations to come. Whether it’s 1% of your estate, a cash gift or an item, your gift means everything.
What type of gift can I leave?
There are three main types of gifts that you can leave in your will. A residuary gift, which is a percentage, or share, of the balance of your estate once all other payments and gifts to loved ones have been made.
A pecuniary gift, which is a fixed amount of money. Or you can leave a specific item, such as a piece of art, jewellery or a property.
Can I leave a gift in memory of a loved one?
Supporting the Community Hospice with a gift in your will is a wonderful way to remember the life of a loved one, and a positive way to make a real difference for generations to come.
How much does it cost to write a will?
The costs of writing a will can vary, depending on the complexity of your estate. You may wish to contact several solicitors to compare the fees and services offered to ensure you are happy with your choice. You can also get specialist advice for free by booking a call with our partner, Farewill. They offer two types of will writing services – an online service and a telephone service.