How to leave a gift in your Will

Incorporating a bequest into your Will

Leaving a gift for the Heart Foundation in your Will is a simple step-by-step process. It's all about preparation and discussion, and we're here to help you along the way. Just follow these steps:

Preparing to write your Will

Making a Will is not a difficult thing to do. Here are some tips for preparing your personal documents and finances before starting to write your Will.

List your assets and debts

Take time to list all of your assets and debts so you know precisely what you have to give to others and what needs to be paid out of your estate. Please take care to list all of your debts - large debts, such as your mortgage, or small debts, like your phone bill.

Choose your executor(s)

Think carefully about who you would like to handle your estate after you pass away. Speak to your chosen executor(s) to confirm their willingness to take on this responsibility. You can also engage a lawyer or trustee company to act as your executor.

Choose a guardian(s)

If you have children under 18 years of age, appointing a guardian, or guardians, is highly recommended. Consider carefully whether the person(s) you'd like to nominate will want the responsibility to care for your children - and that they have the capability and financial means to do so. Remember to consider your children's wishes.

Name your beneficiaries and gifts

Decide who you'd like to benefit from your residuary estate, and detail any specific gifts. The types of gifts you can choose from are outlined below.

Choose how to write your Will

The most common practice is to make an appointment with a lawyer or other legal professional who specialises in writing Wills and estate planning. You may also choose to draft your Will through an online Will-writing platform.

There are special requirements for signing a Will for it to be valid and legally binding. It's important that you consult with your professional legal advisers to ensure that your Will is properly signed, dated and duly witnessed by two adults who are included in your Will.

Getting help to make your Will

Solicitors and legal advisers

We recommend seeking professional legal advice when creating or updating your Will. Prepare your personal documents and finances before seeing your solicitor or legal adviser.

Online Wills

If you’re ready to draft your Will, consider these convenient online Will-writing platforms that have partnered with the Heart Foundation:

Select the types of gifts

Next, you can select the type of gift you would like to include in your Will to the Heart Foundation:

Residual gift: The remainder of your estate after taking care of your loved ones. A residual gift offers the Heart Foundation the flexibility to use your gift most effectively in the future as it keeps pace with inflation.
Pecuniary gift: A fixed or set amount of money.
Specific gift: A gift of a specific item, such as property or shares.
Whole estate: Your entire estate to the Heart Foundation.

Incorporate this suggested wording into your Will

Using the right wording in your Will is crucial because it ensures we receive your gift in line with your intentions and wishes. For this reason, we ask that you use the below suggested wording:

“I give, devise and bequeath to the National Heart Foundation of Australia ABN 98 008 419 761 for its general purposes and free from all duties and taxes:

- the whole of my estate, or

- (insert number)% of my estate, or

- (insert number)% of the residue of my estate, or

- the amount of $(insert the value of cash gift), or

- my (insert name of the asset or item),

and a receipt signed by an authorised person of the National Heart Foundation of Australia shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the Executor(s).”

For specific advice about your Will or etstate planning needs, you should consult a professional legal advisor.

Let us know about your gift

Please let us know if you have left a gift in your Will to the Heart Foundation, as we would like to personally thank you for your commitment to help end heart disease in Australia.

You can contact us at [email protected] or complete this form.

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Get practical tips for preparing your Will and explore the different types of gifts you can leave. Your bequest can help save lives for future generations.

How to leave a gift in your Will

Incorporating a bequest into your Will