A Gift in Your Will
By making a provision for the National Trust in your will you will be providing a lasting gift for future generations. Every sum, no matter how small, is welcomed and not a single cent of legacy gift is spent on administration of the Trust. Choose, too, where you want your money to be spent - it can go to a place or property that has special significance for you.
Please remember the Trust when you revise your will.
| Is a will really important? |
Most certainly! If you want to be sure who your assets and belongings will go to after you die, then it is essential to have a will. |
| Is a will difficult to arrange? |
Making a will is simple and usually inexpensive. We highly recommend that you consult a solicitor or or Trustee Company to draw up your will. If you do not have a solicitor, then call the Community Referral Service at the Law Society of NSW on (02)9926 0300. They will provide you with the names of solicitors who can advise you. Trustee Companies can be found in the Yellow Pages under Trustee Services. |
| What should I consider when preparing my will? |
Before you go to have your will prepared, decide whom you wish to benefit and to what extent. You may want to consider the appointment of guardians to care for your children if you should die before they are 18. An important consideration is the appointment of your Executors - the people who deal with your estate in the event of your death. Ideally, these should be business-minded family or friends or professional advisers. |
| Where should I keep my will? |
Most people will have their solicitor or Trustee Company look after their will in safe custody. Usually they keep a copy of a will at home with a note indicating where the original is kept. |
| When should I review my will? |
From time to time you should review your will to keep up with your changing circumstances. Consult your solicitor or Trustee Company if you decide to change your will. |
| How should I word a bequest to the National Trust in my will? |
There are three main types of bequests:
Your solicitor or Trustee Company will help with the wording of a bequest to the National Trust. The following is a guide: "I give to the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) ABN 82 149 958 802 for its general purposes (the whole) or (a specific amount or gift) or (a percentage) or (the residue) of my estate free from all duties for which a reciept from the Secretary or other authorised person will be sufficient for discharge for the executor." |
| Finally |
It would be a very great encouragement for us to know if you have made a bequest to the National Trust in your will. If it is appropriate and you would like to let us know we would love to hear from you. If you are thinking of leaving a bequest to the National Trust and would like to talk to someone in a little more detail before taking any action, please contact Steven White, the National Trust's Public Officer on |