Supporting a sustainable future
Updating your will
It is important to update your will regularly to ensure that it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. You might find it helpful to review it briefly every few years. If you are still happy with your decisions, then you need do nothing more.
In certain circumstances you must update your will, for example if your marital situation changes or if you move house.
If you have drawn up your will with a solicitor’s guidance, it may not be necessary to change your will if a beneficiary dies before you. You will need to check this with your solicitor.
It is suggested that you review your will at least every five years, though you may not need to change it.
If you wish to add one simple change to your will, your solicitor will probably suggest adding a codicil as the cheapest and most efficient way to make small alterations.
If you wish to add a codicil in favour of HDRA, the following wording is suggested:
“This is the first (or other number) Codicil to my Will dated (date). In addition to the other bequests in my Will, I (name) of (address) hereby give (the sum of £) or (% share of the residue) or (name of property) to the Henry Doubleday Research Association of Garden Organic Ryton, Coventry CV8 3LG, registered charity number 298104, for the general purposes of that charity and the receipt of the Chief Executive shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executors. In all other respects I confirm my said will.”
This will need to be signed and witnessed like your original will, though the witnesses do not need to be the same people. A Codicil must not be physically attached to the original will, i.e. no paperclips or staples, but may be kept in the same envelope.
For more information, or to discuss how a legacy gift could be used, please contact
Myles Bremner, Chief Executive, Garden Organic, Garden Organic Ryton, Coventry CV8 3LG
Telephone 024 7630 8207 or email chiefexecutive@gardenorganic.org.uk
Top of pageGarden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA).
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