Advice given to people making a will

People looking for free will writing advice have been offered tips of the residual legacy of wills.

Keith Johnston, director of philanthropy at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), said that when people leave money to charity in their will they will find that residual legacy is an issue.

He pointed out: "Charities and families have been involved in some high profile disputes recently over who is entitled to what."

Mr Johnston said that some people are advising people making a will to bequeath a fixed sum to a charitable organisation, as this will reduce the chance of encountering any complications.
He said that this option is preferable to a residual legacy – the remainder of an estate when everything has been paid out.

However, he cautioned people should calculate fixed sums carefully to make sure that charities are receiving a sufficient amount.

It is also a wise idea for people who are thinking of making a will that includes a charitable donation to inform family members of the contents of this document to avoid any disputes at a later date.

Published by Hannah Carr