Here’s some practical information and advice about leaving a gift in your Will.

 There are three types of gifts you can make:

• Residuary gift – a share in, or all of, what’s left of the value of your estate after family and friends have been taken care of.
• Pecuniary gift – a specific sum of money that you’d like to leave.
• Specific gift – an item such as jewellery or a piece of art.

The advantage of leaving a share of your estate (also known as a residuary gift) is that it stays the same over time and you won't need to change your will to keep up with inflation.

The easiest way to write or amend a Will is with the help of a solicitor or Will-writer. You can find them in your local area, either online or in the Yellow Pages. They can help you:         

                                                            

Write a new Will

• Once written, a new Will makes any previous Wills void. This is the easiest way to ensure your estate is in order.                                                              

Write a codicil

• A codicil is a document used to change a Will that has already been made. These are usually used to make simple additions or amendments.