Wills and probate news: Mencap, Barnardo’s alter legacy fundraising policies

Two charities have made the decision to change their legacy fundraising policies, those interested in wills and probate matters have been told.

Both Barnardos and Mencap have taken this step after one individual complained after he was sent letters from charitable organisations asking for donations following the passing of his mother in law, Thirdsector.co.uk reported.

The news source said that Mind and PDSA are both looking at their approach to legacy fundraising after Marcus Watkins was contacted by 58 charities requesting that donations were made to them from his deceased mother in law's estate.

An organisation informed Mind, PDSA, Barnardo’s and Mencap of Mr Watkins’ contact details as it works to notify charities when someone decides to make a will which contains donations to such causes.

This month Mary Harwood, legacy officer at Practical Action, also said that this charity had decided to stop asking executors of wills for donations in letters sent to them in response to Mr Watkins’ case.

Published by Hannah Carr