Gifts in wills – FAQs

A will is a legal document, formally witnessed and signed, which lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death. You can also detail other important arrangements such as the guardianship of children or your funeral wishes in this document.

Once their loved ones have been provided for, some people choose to include a gift to causes that are close to their hearts when drawing up their will.

Writing or reviewing your will is one of the most important things you can do. Having an up-to-date copy makes it much easier for your loved ones to follow your wishes when you're gone, avoiding any unnecessary stress and red-tape during a very difficult time.

If you don't have a valid will, your personal wishes may not be followed. In this case, everything you own will be shared according to the laws of 'intestacy', which are the government's way of deciding how everything you own should be split. With most of the UK not having a will in place, these laws do come into effect quite often. You may have had experience of, or at least know someone who has known, the burden this can place on a family. On average, dying 'intestate' (i.e. without a valid will) costs £9,700 in lost assets.

If at least 10% of your taxable estate is left to charity, the inheritance tax rate for the rest of your estate drops from 40% to 36%. There is no obligation to leave us a gift. But, if you choose to, you'll be making a life-changing difference for people with dual sensory loss for generations to come.

Anytime. No matter what stage of life you are at, everyone has something to leave, be it personal items, furniture, property or simply the cash in your bank account.

Experts advise updating your will every five years, or after significant life events. Health issues, marriages, the birth of children, and even new business ventures could change your circumstances.

Not sure you need a will at all? Take this short quiz to find out and to speak to an expert.

If you don't have a will in place, you can write your will online in as little as 15 minutes through Deafblind UK's partnership with leading will writers Octopus Legacy.

Yes! Experts advise updating your will every five years, or after significant life events. Health issues, marriages, the birth of children, and even new business ventures could change your circumstances.

If the change is minor - for example removing or adding a beneficiary - you can create a Codicil, which acts as a supplement to your will without having to rewrite the entire original will document. Always consult your solicitor on your proposed changes so they can advice you on the best approach.

Wills made through Octopus Legacy can be updated whenever you like, for free in your first year, and only £10 a year after that.

It's time to update your will whenever you have a change in your circumstances. For example, you get married or enter into a civil partnership, when you purchase a property, or when you have children.

Or, whenever you would like to change what happens to the things you'll leave behind.

A mirror will is where spouses, civil partners or cohabitees produce a set of wills that reflect one another. The terms are the same in each document, but reflected. For example, they might leave everything to each other in the first instance, and then to the same beneficiaries on the second death.

If you don't make a will, then your estate will go under the intestacy provisions. This means they won't necessarily go where you want them to go. A will is the only way of ensuring everything you own goes to the people and causes you care about.

It's important you let those you trust know your wishes, and the best way is by having a valid will.

Anyone you know, and trust, to carry out your wishes when you're gone. Being an executor can be a difficult job. It's a good idea to speak to them when drawing up your will to check they are comfortable taking on the role.

You can also appoint a 'professional executor' to administer your estate. This could be your solicitor, or a Probate Practitioner, for example.

If you are an executor and would like to let Deafblind UK know about a gift, please contact us on 0800 132320.