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Frequently Asked Questions
Writing or amending a will can seem like a daunting task. We’ve created this helpful guide to answer all of the frequently asked questions that we receive as a charity.
Please email legacy@wkwt.org.uk if you have any unanswered questions after reading this FAQs page.
Is making a Will expensive?
A Will typically costs around £150 but check with your local solicitor as they may have offers at certain times of the year. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has partnered with MakeAWillOnline. It’s free for you to use, as long as it’s a simple Will that you need.
Is making a Will complicated?
Writing or updating your Will doesn’t need to be difficult or take up a lot of your time. It can take less than one hour to write a Will but being prepared is key – think about your wishes in advance. Remember a Charity have created an easy to follow easy-to-follow guide for getting started on your will.
Do I have to choose between my family and a cause that I care about?
Your Will is about your wishes and who you leave a gift to is completely up to you. Once you’ve looked after your friends and family, it's entirely possible to also leave a gift to charity so that you can make a lasting difference to a cause that you believe in. Giving a gift to charity in your will may also reduce your Inheritance Tax burden.
Can I only leave a gift in my Will to one charity?
You can leave as many gifts to charities as you like, and you can specify what type of gift you want to leave to each.
Will only large gifts make a difference?
No matter the size, your gift will make a difference. Every penny that we receive goes towards our vital work protecting and restoring nature across Warwickshire and every penny really does count. Even a small percentage of your will, after you have taken care of your loved ones, is enough to make a difference.
Don’t forget that you can talk to us anytime if you’re unsure about your gift. If you’re thinking about including a gift to protect nature in your Will, please do get in touch: legacies@wkwt.org.uk.
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Once I’ve made a Will, can I change it?
It's a good idea to review your Will from time to time to ensure it reflects any changes in your personal circumstances (for example if you get married, separated, have children or grandchildren, or buy your first home). If you want to make changes to your Will, get in touch with your solicitor or Will provider.
Should I wait to make a Will until I'm older or retired?
Making a Will is often seen as something that doesn't need to be thought of until later in life, but anyone over the age of 18 can make a Will.
A Will is the safest way to ensure that your loved ones and the causes that are closest to your heart are provided for, whatever your stage of life or your financial situation.
Making a Will can give you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out, and you can make sure your loved ones don't have to worry either.
Will Inheritance Tax impact me?
Inheritance Tax (IHT) doesn't apply to everyone. However, if your estate is over £325,000, it's worth looking into.
Inheritance Tax is charged at 40% on estates over the IHT threshold (also known as the nil rate band), which is currently set at £325,000. This means that any part of your estate above that value may be taxed. The good news is that leaving a gift to charity in your will can help reduce, or even remove, the tax burden on your estate. Gifts in wills to registered charities are currently exempt from Inheritance Tax, so by leaving a gift to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, your whole gift will go to protecting nature for generations to come.
Any charitable gifts you make will be taken off the value of your estate before IHT is calculated. In addition, if you leave a charitable gift of 10% or more of the net value of your estate, your Inheritance Tax rate may fall from 40% to 36%, meaning both the charity and other beneficiaries can benefit.
Please note that IHT rules can change at any time, so it's important to double-check this information. You can find out more on the GOV.UK website
What details do I need to include Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in my Will?
If you're using a solicitor, they'll need the following details to include Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in your Will:
Registered name: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Registered office: Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW
Charity number: 209200
Our team will be happy to provide any other information needed by your solicitor and answer any questions you may have. Please contact legacies@wkwt.org.uk.
Do I need to tell you if I've left a gift in my Will?
No. Your Will is entirely private. However, if you choose to let us know, we'd love the opportunity to thank you and keep you updated on the difference supporters like you are making.
Can I make a gift of land to the Trust?
The Trust has nature reserves that were created through Gifts in Wills, however it is important that a gift of land is right for you, and for the Trust. If you would like to have a conversation about gifting land to the Trust, either in your lifetime or in your Will, please contact legacies@wkwt.org.uk.
We hope this has helped to answer questions you may have had around writing your Will, but if you have specific questions around leaving a gift to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: legacies@wkwt.org.uk
