How to Leave a Gift in Your Will 

Step-by-step guide 

1. Choose who you would like to leave a gift for:
   You can leave a gift in your will to whoever you want. This usually includes family members, friends and charities that you would like to benefit from your legacy.  
   
   
2. Decide what gifts you would like to give: 
   When you die, the property and assets you leave behind are referred to as your estate. There are different types of gifts you can leave from your estate. A residuary gift is one that it given after any debts, taxes and other gifts have been paid from your estate. A pecuniary gift is a gift of a specified amount of money. A specific gift is a particular item or collection of items. 
   
   
3. Choose your executors: 
   Your executors are responsible for carrying out the instructions left in your will. This can be a complicated process and often takes many months. Most people choose their loved ones to act as their executors. It is generally advisable to have between 2 and 4 executors. You can also choose a professional executor such as a solicitor. A professional executor can also be appointed at a later date by your loved ones. Professional executors will make a charge for their services and this is usually deducted from the value of your estate. 
   
   
4. Estimate the value of your estate: 
   Your estate includes and cash, including in any bank accounts and savings, investments such as stocks, shares and bonds, the value of any property you own, and the value of your personal possessions. To estimate the value of your estate, deduct any outstanding bills, invoices and debts (including mortgages). If your estate will be subject to inheritance tax, it is advisable to deduct this too. 
   
   
5. Write your will: 
   When writing a will you should use a professional will writer. Your will must be signed and witnessed. It is advisable to keep copies of your will where it can be easily located upon your death. Professional will writers will make a charge for writing a will, but there are free will writing services available such as this one from Law Depot.
   
   
6. Keep your will safe: 
   You should keep a copy of your will in a place where it will be easy to find alongside your personal possessions. Professional executors may offer to store your will, and it is advisable to give your executor(s) a copy of your will, or let them know where it is stored.
   
   
7. Keep your will up-to-date: 
   This is particularly important if your circumstances change, for example: if you change address, if your marital status changes, after the birth of a child or grandchild, if an executor is no longer suitable, or if the value of your estate changes significantly. When you update your will, it is advisable to destroy the old one or clearly marked it as an old version. 
   
   
8. If you have left a gift for Leeds Autism Services, please let us know: 
   We would love to keep you informed of our vital work and to pass on a thank you to you or your family. Your generosity will help us to continue our work to help create a more autism friendly society. 

Suggested wording if you are leaving a gift for Leeds Autism Services 

When writing or updating your will, we strongly recommend that you use a solicitor or an experienced will writer. 

The most important bits of information to include are our name, address and registered charity number:

Name and Address: Leeds Autism Services, 28 Grape Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1BX

Registered Charity Number: 1047981 

Suggested Wording for a Residuary Gift 

I give ____% of the residue of my estate to Leeds Autism Services, 28 Grape Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1BX (Registered charity in England and Wales 1047981) for its general charitable purposes absolutely. I further direct that the receipt of the Chief Executive or other proper officer of the said charity for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said gift. 

Suggested Wording for a Pecuniary Gift 

I give the sum of £_____ to Leeds Autism Services, 28 Grape Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1BX (Registered charity in England and Wales 1047981) for its general charitable purposes absolutely. I further direct that the receipt of the Chief Executive or other proper officer of the said charity for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said gift. 

Need More Information? 

If you would like any more information about including a gift for Leeds Autism Services in your will, you can use our online contact form to ask us or to book some time for a chat with one of our finance team. Use the button below for more details on how to contact us: 

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