FAQs

Why make a Will?

You may not have thought about it, but making a Will could be one of the most important decisions you make. Without a Will, there is no guarantee that those closest to you will be provided for and looked after, when you are gone. People often assume that their possessions will automatically pass onto their partner or children after their death, but without the provision of a Will the law will make the decision for you and could end up causing unnecessary grief for your family.

By making a Will you will ensure that your family or friends are cared for and that your exact wishes are carried out. After providing for them, you may also wish to remember other individuals or associations that have meant something to you during your life.

How do I make a Will?

Despite what you may think, making a Will is a simple and relatively inexpensive process. If you do not already have one, we would advise you to appoint a professional legal advisor who will be able to answer any legal questions you have regarding the Will, and who will ensure that the Will is correctly drawn up.

If you do not have a solicitor, you can contact the Law Society to help you find one - www.lawsociety.org.uk /www.lawscot.org.uk (Scotland) / www.lawsoc-ni.org (Northern Ireland)

Before you meet your solicitor to create the Will, you can save yourself some time by firstly working out the approximate value of your estate, by subtracting your liabilities (mortgage/debts/loans) from your assets (house value/savings/stocks and shares). It would also be helpful if you decide which individuals and organizations you wish to leave your estate and to appoint the executors for your Will. The executors are those individuals that are responsible for carrying out the wishes of your Will, and you would normally have two people acting in this role.

How do I make changes to an existing will?

If you have already made a Will and wish to amend it because your circumstances have changed or you now wish to include a gift to the Campaign for Real Ale, the process is quite straightforward.

You simply need to insert what is called a 'codicil' into the will. A codicil need not change the terms of your will, it will just allow you to add a new instruction. Like your Will, the codicil document will need to be witnessed and we have included an example codicil for you to look at.

"I (name as in original Will) of (address) DECLARE this is codicil x to my Will dated y. I give the sum of £____ pounds to CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale for its charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the treasurer, director or other proper officer of CAMRA for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Executors or Trustees."

In all other respects I hereby confirm my said Will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this (date in words). (then signed and witnessed)

How do I include a gift to CAMRA in my Will?

There are two main types of legacies that you can give.

A pecuniary legacy is one where a specific sum of money is left in your Will. The other, a residuary legacy, is the remains of the estate after the payment of charges, debts, and other bequests in a will have been made. You should ask your solicitor about the exact legal wording, but we have provided an example below of how it might look.

Pecuniary Legacy

"I give the sum of £____ to CAMRA, of 230 Hatfield Road, St. Albans, AL1 4LW to be used for its general purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of CAMRA for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executors."

Residuary Legacy

"I give the residue of my estate to CAMRA, of 230 Hatfield Road, St. Albans, AL1 4LW to be used for its general purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of CAMRA for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executors."

How will my gift help CAMRA?

As an independent organization we rely upon the support from our members to allow us to continue to campaign to preserve real ale and the pub as part of our nation's heritage. We campaign to raise awareness of the issues facing the pub industry and consumers alike and work to support public houses as part of the community.

Leage jargon explained

Administrator
People or person appointed to sort out your estate in the absence of executors and in the absence of a Will.

Beneficiary
The individuals or organisations that you wish to ensure receive a gift from your Will.

Bequest/Legacy
A specific sum or gift given within your Will.

Codicil
A change or amendment to an existing Will.

Executors
The person responsible for carrying out the wishes of your Will.

Intestate
If a Will is not made before your death, the government declares you to be intestate.

Probate
The legal process confirming that your Will is valid, allowing your executors to carry out their duties according to your wishes.

Residuary legacy
A gift of the residue from your estate once all debts, tax, legacies and fees have been paid.

Can I talk to someone further about leaving a legacy to CAMRA?

If you still have questions regarding leaving a gift to CAMRA, please don't hesitate to contact our legacy officer, Tarli Cable, either via the postal address or via phone or email. CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW. 01727 798446.tarli.cable@camra.org.uk

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