Charity Codicil

TechnoBoy

Hi Folks,

I'm putting together a cash Codicil on behalf the the Charity I volunteer for.

As the document appears to be fairly straight-foward I thought I'd give it a go myself ... or is the answer ... get your solicitor to check it?

Or if I post a link here can folks have a look and provide feedback?

We're currently not flush with cash so the latter option would be preferred!

Many thanks.

paddyrg

Try asking your lawyers if they will do you a deal, maybe cap their fees at 1 hour for the charity? That way you are still getting official legal representation and engagement, but they get to give something back.

For anything major like that, I would always err on the side of having professional review.

Annisele

Some charities produce forms for codicils (see this example). I'm not a lawyer so I can't say whether that one is any use or not, I'm just making the point that the charity might already have some guidance.

Savvy_Sue

Is this something you are doing personally, ie a codicil for your own will, or the form of words for a codicil which the charity can promote?

If it's for the charity to promote, then it really would be unwise for them not to get proper advice, and they might find a company who would do it pro bono (ie for free!)

I think paddy has read your intention one way, and Annisele the other!

oldtoolie

If I was doing this, I would look for codicil documents from major brand charities and copy that with the names changed.

However, a codicil document is not the key in promoting legacy giving. A charity need to show prospective legacy donors that the charity needs legacies and will use the gift well. Once that decision is made, most people would be better off seeing their solicitors about incorporating the legacy into their will. This will help to insure that the courts actually recognise the legacy if disputed by heirs. (see recent court cases)

TechnoBoy

Thank you folks ... we've got in contact with another charity and they've said they can borrow their codicil and change the names!

paddyrg

Please get your own lawyers to read it through as well, just because it works for another body doesn't mean it's right for yours.