BEQUEST / WILL GIVING
A bequest is a provision of your will that directs a particular sum of money or item of property to be given to a particular person or entity after your death. Bequests create a valuable method of making contributions to civic and charitable organizations that have meant a lot to you during your lifetime. It is not difficult to write a bequest on your own, but we do recommend that you seek legal advice when making a will.
Write a thorough inventory of your items of personal property.
Examine your inventory of personal property items. Determine which items, if any, have sentimental value that makes it appropriate for specific devise to family members or friends, and which items, if any, have monetary value that you would like to devise to individuals or organizations. Circle these items in pencil, noting next to each the person or organization to whom you would like to bequeath the item.
Create a list of your financial assets and accounts. Note the name of each financial institution and any designating account numbers.
Review your list of financial assets and accounts. Determine what sums of money, if any, you would like to leave to individuals or organizations. Note these monetary amounts and the name of the person or organization in pencil on your list of financial assets and accounts.
Write your specific bequest provisions, placing each bequest in a separate paragraph and beginning each paragraph with the phrase, "I give, devise and bequeath…". Incude a detailed description of the personal property item or sum of money and account source followed by a detailed description of the person or entity to whom you are making the bequest. Include his/her full name and address.
Write a final bequest paragraph that leaves the rest, residue and remainder of your estate - any funds or personal property left over after the other specific bequests have been fulfilled - to a person or organization of your choosing.
Write the language required by your state to conclude your will and execute the will with the appropriate number of witnesses or other formalities required by your state in order to make your bequests legally valid.