Wills made via charities

[HoneyButterPopcorn]

I’ve seen a charity that offers ‘free will writing service’ (so I know it’s not ‘free’ as they will expect a donation in the will).

Are there any downsides to making wills like this? I wouldn’t want the lawyers to be executors but I can’t think of anything else that could be an issue.

If you just want simple will, or two mirror wills for a couple, then they're just the job. Less so if you want to do more involved stuff, for example trusts around a house.

We have a straightforward situation so sounds like a good plan!

Don't ever leave a charity a percentage donation, was the advice we got. They are then obliged to take that percentage of everything, goods included, and can be quite forceful about it, regardless of the timescale the heirs would prefer. Leave a set amount.

A %? Oh wow that could really add up couldn’t it? I was thinking of a set amount anyway.

We did this for my mother in law and her will. The donation to the charity was £50.

I've gone onto use the same solicitor for my own will, my dad's, and my mother in law's estate so they've got more business out of it.

My solicitor was in no way forceful about how much to put down for a donation and they suggested £50.

Looking into something like Will Aid. The donation is upfront.

Definitely- a great aunt left her charity donations as percentages and it was a nightmare to sort out.

I think most of them are linked with fairwills. MIL did this and it was quite straightforward.

But beware the charity may chase for the money. DH & I as executors, received a letter from the charity concerned after a few months "reminding" us that their money was due. We were still selling the house at the time and while I appreciate the charity's position, we didn't ever have any intentions of not making the donation. It has left an unpleasant impression to be honest.

I wouldn’t get involved with making a will where the charity wants a percentage of the estate.

We done ours for a charity donation so they’re only involved in writing and checking the will. They’re not involved at all at the time of our deaths as they had their donation