We understand that writing or amending a will can be a daunting process, below are some of the frequently asked questions.
We are a registered charity – not part of the NHS – and we receive limited government funding.
The specialist care and support we provide for people of all ages in our community is only possible because of the support and generosity we receive from our community. Funding from gifts in wills forms a very significant part of this.
Every penny we receive from gifts in wills ensures Havens Hospices can continue caring for adults and children with complex or incurable conditions for many years to come.
By leaving a gift to Havens Hospices in your will, you’ll be making sure the people and communities you care about will receive the care and support they need to make every day of their lives count.
Your gift can be anything you choose, from a gift of personal belongings to a cash sum (known as a 'Pecuniary Legacy'), or a part/the whole of your remaining estate once other gifts and expenses have been paid (known as a 'Residuary Legacy').
You don’t need to be rich to leave a legacy to Havens Hospices, every little helps. We must raise over £112,000 each week to be there for everyone who needs us. Every legacy we receive, large or small, helps us continue ‘Making every day count’
If you are leaving a gift to Havens Hospices in your will, please use the name “Havens Hospices” and include our address: 226 Priory Crescent, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 6PR and Registered Charity Number 1022119.
We strongly advise that you use a solicitor to have your will drafted or updated, especially if inheritance tax is payable on your estate.
You can find a solicitor by using the search engine on the Law Society website; search by postcode or location to get a list of solicitors in your area.
If you have an existing will, but would like to include a gift to Havens Hospices, you can make a codicil, which is supplementary to your will and can make simple changes or additions to it. We recommend that you see a solicitor when making a codicil, so they can advise you about the process and draft the codicil correctly.
Let your solicitor have the name, address and registered charity number of Havens Hospices (226 Priory Crescent, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 6PR and Registered Charity Number: 1022119) together with a note of the item, cash sum, or share of residue you wish to leave.
Once the codicil is approved and signed by you (in the presence of two witnesses) it will be placed with your will, and after your death, the two documents will be read together as though the codicil was always an integral part of your will.
Gifts to charity are exempt from inheritance tax, so the charity will receive the full value of any gift you choose to leave.
If you leave a gift of 10% of the net value of your estate to charity (the net value being the sum of all the assets after deducting any debts, liabilities, reliefs, exemptions and the nil-rate band) it may be possible to pay inheritance tax on all (or on components of your estate) at a reduced rate of 36% rather than 40%.
The calculations used to work out which part or parts of your estate qualify for a reduced rate of inheritance tax are very complicated. We would strongly advise that you see a solicitor to ensure you get the best advice and ensure your Will is drafted correctly.
No problem at all. Just call us on 01702 220 305 or email Legacy@havenshospices.org.uk
If you are an Executor and/or are administering a will that includes a gift to Havens Hospices, Fair Havens or Little Havens we understand that this can be a difficult and stressful process and we wish to offer as much practical support as we are able. We have included some useful information below.
For any assistance or advice please call us on 01702 220 305 or email Legacy@havenshospices.org.uk
All gifts in wills are managed by our Fundraising team at the hospice, please get in touch by emailing legacy@havenshospices.org.uk to make a payment by bank transfer, cheque or other means.
When initially contacting us about a Legacy we are really grateful if you can provide the following information, this means we can help you as quick as we can.
Unfortunately, we are not able to take on the role of Executor.
For information and support please take a look at Citizens Advice.
