How to give in your will

1. Decide precisely what you want your money to pay for. Legacy donations tend to be bigger than average. This means that, as a potential donor, you’ve got a lot of leverage over the charity. If you want to fund something specific, tell the charity and make sure it agrees to your terms. Listen, but don’t be bullied.
2. See if you can get freebies. Some charities offer some nice extras. The RSPCA, for example, offers to look after any pets you might leave behind, and Cancer Research UK organizes solicitors to provide free will-writing.
3. Ask if there’s anything else you can give away. Homelessness charities are often after furniture, arts charities may well want your piano, and everyone wants your jewellery. The National Trust will even take the contents of your house if they are in good enough condition.
4. Decide how you want to write your will. There are two ways of doing this. Either head down to your local WH Smith and pick up a DIY will kit, or shell out £80-£90 at your local solicitors’ firm. Charities generally advise you do the latter, but a mention of your charity’s name, registration number and address in a DIY kit – together with the sum you’re donating – might just do the trick in an uncomplicated will.
5. Talk to the charity’s specialist legacy person. Almost all big charities employ someone to help plan your legacy giving. Find out their name, give them a ring, and tell them what you want to give. They’ll tell you what to do next, and offer advice.
6. Don’t forget that lawyers will push for their client. We’ve heard horror stories of how lawyers acting on charities’ behalf have caused trauma by forcing speedy house-sales and estate breakup. While deciding what to give, bear in mind that lawyers don’t become any nicer just because they’re working for a charity.