What is a bequest?
A bequest is a donation paid from your estate after you have died, in accordance with your written instructions included in your will.
Why give a bequest to us?
Bequests are a critical part of our funding, so that we can continue to operate. Making a bequest to Dying with Dignity NSW in your will is a simple and effective way to support our work. It is not payable until after your death, so it does not affect your assets or your cash flow during your lifetime.
How do you make a bequest to us?
When making a will, your first priority is to ensure that it reflects the way you want to look after your family and friends. Once you have done that, you may wish to make a bequest to Dying with Dignity NSW ACN 002 545 235.
You can either include the bequest when you write your will, or simply add one as a codicil to your existing will. In either case, you should seek professional advice from a legal adviser to ensure your wishes are recorded in a legally binding way. If your circumstances change in the future, you can easily alter your will.
What type of bequests are possible?
There are essentially three main types of bequests:
• Specific bequest: You can leave a specific dollar amount or specified assets, such as property or shares
• Percentage of total estate bequest: You can leave a nominated portion of the total estate
• Residuary bequest: The ‘residue’ is whatever remains of your estate after you have made any specific provisions. You can leave all or a specified percentage of the residue.
How can I be sure my bequest will be legally binding?
To be legally binding, a will or codicil must be in writing, signed by the Testator and attested by two independent witnesses. At the bottom of this page is suggested wording for inclusion in your will or in a codicil.
We strongly encourage you to seek professional advice from a legal adviser to ensure your wishes are recorded in a legally binding way. If you, or your solicitor, have any questions about making a bequest to Dying with Dignity NSW you can contact our office on (02) 9212 4782 or email [email protected].
A bequest to Dying with Dignity NSW, no matter how small, is most welcome and appreciated.
We hope that you will let us know if you leave a bequest to Dying with Dignity NSW.
Suggested wording for inclusion in your will or codicil
1. Wording for a specific bequest of money:
I give and bequeath the sum of $________ of my estate to Dying with Dignity NSW ACN 002 545 235, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of a director or executive officer at the time, will be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.
2. Wording to leave a percentage of your total estate:
I give and bequeath __________ per cent of my estate to Dying with Dignity NSW ACN 002 545 235, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of a director or executive officer at the time, will be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.
3. Wording to leave the residue of your estate:
I give and bequeath the rest and residue of my estate to Dying with Dignity NSW ACN 002 545 235, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of a director or executive officer at the time, will be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.
4. Wording to leave a percentage of the residue of your estate:
I give and bequeath __________ per cent of the residue of my estate to Dying with Dignity NSW ACN 002 545 235, for its general purposes and declare that the receipt of a director or executive officer at the time, will be sufficient discharge of my executor’s duty.
Click here for a printable version of this page – Making a bequest to DWD NSW
If you need a legal adviser, please see the NSW Trustee and Guardian website or phone them on 1300 364 103. Alternatively, you can find a local solicitor with experience in this area via the Solicitor Referral Service on The Law Society of NSW website or phone them on 02 9926 0300 (Sydney) or 1800 422 713 (outside Sydney).
