We’ve provided some helpful information below and Livability is now able to offer you a free Will writing service to support you with making or updating your Will.
Including a gift to Livability in your Will
A gift in your Will can transform the life of a person with disabilities, giving them a brighter future. And for this, we thank you on behalf of all those whose lives you will touch.
If you decide to leave a gift to Livability in your Will, there are several types of gifts you can give:
Residuary legacy
A gift made up of whatever remains from your estate once all other gifts and expenses have been deducted. It’s your choice whether you leave the total amount of the residue to a named beneficiary, or split it into percentages to leave to a number of loved ones or charities. Even a small percentage to Livability would make a huge difference to our work.
Pecuniary legacy
A gift of a set sum of money. It’s important to be aware that due to inflation, a pecuniary legacy won’t keep its value over time.
Specific legacy
A gift of a specific item like a house, a piece of jewellery, furniture or an antique.
A gift is most useful if it’s given for the general purposes of Livability, rather than a specific project. Otherwise, if the project ceases, the gift may be invalid. However, you can always let us know your preference for where the legacy is spent by ‘expressing a wish’ in your Will. Please do get in touch if you would like to know more about this and your solicitor can also advise on the appropriate wording for this.
To leave a gift in your Will to Livability, you will need our name, address and registered charity number to reference when making your Will.
The details you require are:
Livability
Coburg House
1 Coburg Street
Gateshead
NE8 1NS
(Registered Charity Number 1116530)
What are the benefits of making a Will?
Making a Will can help to make the task of dealing with your assets easier for the loved ones you leave behind. It can also mean that your estate will be dealt with correctly, with your possessions going to the people you wish. In some instances, it can also reduce the impact that inheritance tax might have on your estate.
If you have a loved one with an intellectual disability, you can make plans for them to be provided for, without putting them at risk of financial abuse or risking them losing any means-tested benefits that they may be entitled to. You could speak to a legal professional about your options for setting up a trust.
Points to consider when making a Will
Work out your estate and decide how you would you like your estate to be distributed
A gift of a set sum of money. It’s important to be aware that due to inflation, a pecuniary legacy won’t keep its value over time.
Choose your beneficiaries
These are the people and charities you wish to benefit from your Will. Naturally, your family and friends should always come first. However, many people also choose to leave a percentage or proportion of their estate to Livability to allow us to continue to be there for future generations of people with disabilities. You will need to make a list of the full names and addresses of your chosen beneficiaries for your professional advisor.
Name your executor(s)
Executors are the people identified in your Will to make sure your instructions are carried out. An executor should be someone you trust – for instance, a relative, a friend or a solicitor. It’s a good idea to check they’re happy to be appointed beforehand.
Visit a solicitor
Your solicitor will see your Will is drawn up and ensure it’s properly signed, dated and witnessed.
Store your Will in a safe place, perhaps with your solicitor, and keep a copy yourself.
Tell a relative or close friend where the original copy of your Will is stored. There are also a number of commercial organisations that operate Will registration schemes.
Keep your Will up to date
Some changes in circumstance – getting married or divorced, for example – can affect your Will, so it’s important to keep it up to date.
