Why do I need a Will?
A professionally written, up-to-date Will is the only way you can have peace of mind that the people and causes that you care for are provided for in the way you choose. When the time comes, the lack of a valid Will can cause stressful and time-consuming complications for those left to deal with your estate.
Can I update my current Will?
It is important to check your Will from time to time to make ensure it still reflects your wishes and reflects any changes in personal circumstances. Changes that affect your Will may include the birth of grandchildren, death in your family or marriage, separation or divorce, or even the death of an executor.
What is a Codicil?
A codicil is a document that amends an existing Will, but does not replace it. It allows you to make a small change to your Will without making an entirely new one, and must be signed in the exact same way as the will was signed (although the two witnesses do not have to be the same two people that witnessed the original will). Once completed it is then stored with the original Will.
Download a template Codicil here.
Do I need to tell you that I’ve left a gift in my Will?
This is entirely up to you. If you do let us know, it enables us to keep you updated from time to time, during your lifetime of the difference we are making to Jewish families day in, day out.
Who should write my Will?
We would always recommend consulting solicitors when writing your Will or amending an existing one. They will ensure the Will is legal and valid and that your wishes are clearly expressed using precise language. They may ask you to take essential information with you to your meeting. We can provide you with names of suitable, entirely independent solicitors.
Can Camp Simcha help me to write my Will?
Jewish Legacy’s free Will writing scheme now makes it quick and simple to leave a gift in your Will. You can find out more here.
How do I choose my executors?
It’s a good idea to name at least two people to be your Executors. They will be responsible for handling your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out. You can choose a solicitor, a family member or trusted friend, as long as they are over the age of 18 and even if they are a beneficiary from a gift in your Will. Camp Simcha cannot act as executors in case of conflict of interest.
I would like to leave a legacy but can’t afford to leave a large gift?
A gift of any size, small or large can have a huge impact on the lives of families we support. It is also possible to bequeath an item of value for a charity to be responsible for selling.
What type of gift can I leave Camp Simcha?
There are two main types of gift:
“Residuary gift”: A percentage of your estate – After you have provided for loved ones, you can leave a share or all of what remains to charity. This can be the best way to leave a gift as its value is not affected by inflation.
To leave a Residuary gift to Camp Simcha, the following wording should be provided to your solicitor
“I leave ____ percent of the residue of my real and personal estate to Camp Simcha, registered charity number 1180646. “
“Pecuniary gift”: A cash gift – This is a fixed sum of money left in your Will. For other types of gifts, please consult your solicitor.
To leave a Pecuniary gift to Camp Simcha, the following wording should be provided to your solicitor
“I leave the sum of (in words) _______________________ pounds £______________________ (in figures) to Camp Simcha, registered charity number 1180646.
How can I be sure my gift reaches Camp Simcha?
It’s important that you include our name (Camp Simcha) and charity registration number (1180646) in your Will, to ensure your gift reaches us.
Are there tax benefits to leaving a legacy to charity?
If your estate is over a certain value your beneficiaries will have to pay Inheritance Tax (IHT). A gift to Camp Simcha therefore might reduce your estate’s liability for IHT. Under current UK law* if a person leaves 10% or more of their taxable estate to charity, the remainder might qualify for a reduced rate of IHT. Your solicitor can advise further on this.
Where should I store my Will?
Your solicitor may offer to keep your original Will safe as part of their service. It’s a good idea to make sure you also keep a copy in a safe place, together with other information your family and/ or executors will need when the time comes.
Why does Camp Simcha need legacy income?
Sadly, the need to support the families of seriously ill children continues beyond our lifetimes. With medical advances, thankfully, resulting in children living longer with life threatening or life limiting health conditions, the need to support them and their families during difficult times will only increase.
Camp Simcha does not receive any government funding and is entirely reliant on the generosity of the community. Legacy income can provide a safety net of funding to ensure that regardless of extraordinary global, community and economic events, we can continue to be there for the families that need us.
Can my legacy support a specific Camp Simcha project?
We hope that you will continue to live for many years to come. Therefore, it is simpler for the executors of your estate if your Will does not reference a specific project that may be time sensitive. If you would like your legacy to be directed to a specific area of our work please be in touch so we can discuss together appropriate themes and wording that will have lasting relevance.