Nathan Scott
Director
Commercial and Succession Planning
This week is Include a Charity Week – a national campaign encouraging Australians to consider leaving a gift in their Will to a cause they care deeply about.
Leaving a charitable bequest in your Will is a meaningful way to create a legacy that lives on well beyond your lifetime. No matter what cause you choose to support, your bequest can help make a lasting difference to your chosen charity as well as the local community.
A charitable bequest in your Will can take many forms – such as a specific sum of money, a percentage of your overall estate, or particular assets like a property. These gifts, whether large or small, are vital to the fundraising efforts of many charitable organisations across Australia.
While there are many well-known national and international charities, there are also numerous local charities that do vital work within the community that are able to accept (and greatly appreciate) charitable bequests as well. Leaving a charitable bequest to a local charity can make a significant impact, helping to shape a better future and fund vital services and causes within the local community.
If you choose to make a charitable bequest it’s crucial to ensure your intentions are clearly expressed in a legally valid Will. Poorly worded or ambiguous clauses (for example, which do not properly identify the charity) can cause confusion, delay the administration of your estate and lead to disputes between your beneficiaries.
Seeking legal advice from an experienced wills and estates lawyer ensures that your charitable bequest is properly structured and legally enforceable, providing you with certainty. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, help you identify the right charity and wording, and ensure that your charitable bequest is administered according to your wishes.
During this Include a Charity Week, consider how a charitable bequest in your Will can make a lasting impact. If you’re thinking about including a charity in your estate plan, contact us today for tailored and professional advice.
Phone (03) 5445 3333 or email info@becklegal.com.au
