A legacy is a gift in your Will. A legacy can be a share of your estate (residuary), a cash sum (pecuniary), or a specific item - such as a piece of jewellery, some shares or property. Legacies can be simple or complex legal documents and to ensure your wishes are carried out as you would have liked, we strongly advise you seek the advice of a practising solicitor.

Using a practising solicitor is by far the best way to ensure your Will is legally correct and your wishes are followed. The cost of having your Will drawn up professionally will be considerably less than the costs to your loved ones and your chosen Christian charities if your wishes are misinterpreted The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) is able to direct you to a Christian solicitor.

Yes, even if you already have a Will, you can still leave a legacy to a Christian charity through something called a codicil. If you are changing your Will through a codicil, it is advisable that you seek advice from a solicitor.

If you die without making a Will, this could result in your estate not going where you could have wished. It may also involve lawyers spending time and your money in sorting out your affairs under intestacy laws. For instance your husband or wife may not automatically receive all of your estate and other family, friends, your church or Christian charities you would have liked to support might not benefit.

Yes, it is really helpful to let a Christian charity know that you have included them in your Will - that way they needn’t approach you again and can update you on their work according to your wishes. Of course, you do not have to let them know if you have made or intend to leave a legacy. However, they will greatly appreciate it if you can, as knowing about legacies to come will give them confidence to plan for the future.

Currently, charities are exempt from inheritance tax. So if you are eligible to pay inheritance tax, money that might go to the Inland Revenue could go to helping a Christian charity. Rules for inheritance tax can change so we advise your Will be written by a solicitor who will have up to date details of current rules.

The Gift Aid scheme does not apply to gifts in Wills.