Important Information

In a will you can make sure that your loved ones are provided for. You can also ensure that your assets are distributed in the way you want them to be. This may include some of your estate being directed towards causes close to your heart.

You may have items of sentimental value such as photographs and heirlooms which you would like to leave to particular individuals, such as family members or others who have helped you in the past.  You may have animal companions whose care you can specify in your will; for example, you may wish to discuss with a loved one whether they can offer them a home after your death or make use of a care-scheme offered by some national animal welfare charities.

If you die intestate (that is, without making a will), the law decides how your estate is distributed and the people you care about may not receive anything. Legal problems may arise which can be time consuming and expensive, with all legal costs being met from your estate. By making a will you can save a lot of distress and anxiety for your loved ones.

Yes, as Cruelty Free International has the required Trust Corporation status, we are happy to ensure your wishes according to your will are met.  If you choose to name us as your executor, please let us know at an early stage as we would require the original will for secure storage at our Head Office

The law around how your will is interpreted varies from country to country. However, there have been recent cases where British citizens living in other countries have successfully ensured that UK law takes precedence over their country of domicile. Please consult your legal adviser as the laws vary depending on country and your residential status.

The sooner the better. It is particularly important at key points in your life. For example, when you marry, buy property, have children or plan long-term travel.

Yes. The knowledge a solicitor has will make sure that your wishes are fulfilled and that the document is legal and correct. A will form can be bought from some stationers but one simple mistake could prevent your wishes from being carried out. For instance, there are rules governing the way a will should be witnessed and, if done incorrectly, the whole document can be invalid. A beneficiary cannot be a witness, for example. 

In the long run, using a solicitor is cheaper than the legal costs of processing your estate if you don’t make a will, or if it is invalid.

If you don’t know a solicitor, ask someone you trust to recommend one.

Fees for straightforward wills are not high and most solicitors can give you an estimate over the telephone.

We have partnered with Bequeathed who can guide you through using their free will service here.

Our Remembrance and Legacy Manager, Angela Bunting, would be happy to help with any queries but please note that she is not qualified to advise as a solicitor would. Please contact Angela at angela.bunting@crueltyfreeinternational.org or call her direct line on 0300 003 0577 (calls charged at local rate). Angela is available Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm.

Before meeting your solicitor it is worth preparing a list of all your assets and liabilities to find out the value of your estate, because this will save you time and money. The checklist below will help you to do this (any items of particular personal and sentimental value that you may wish to leave to specific people should be listed separately).

By subtracting your liabilities from your assets you can estimate the value of your estate. Once you know what you have to leave, you can decide how you wish to distribute it.

It is worth noting that your estate may be liable for Inheritance Tax, although the whole or any part of your estate left to a spouse is exempt from tax, provided she/he is living within the UK. The Inheritance Tax threshold and rate does change from time to time, but your solicitor will advise you on this.

You will also need to appoint one or two executors to make sure that the terms of your will are carried out. An executor can be a beneficiary of your will but must be over the age of 18. The executor will have legal duties and an obligation to follow your wishes, so you should ask the person you have in mind if they are willing to act on your behalf.

These expenses will be paid from your estate and your solicitor can advise you on the likely cost. Any wishes you have concerning your funeral arrangements may be stated in your will.

You can change your will as often as you wish but this should always be done through your solicitor.

For small changes, a ‘codicil’ can be added to your will. This is a separate legal document that must be signed and witnessed in the correct legal manner. In some instances it may be necessary to complete an entirely new will, such as if you marry or become divorced. If you are in doubt about whether a particular change in your family or personal circumstances necessitates a change to your will, please speak to your solicitor.

Keep it safe and tell your executor where it is. Many people leave their will with their solicitor but keep a copy themselves. Codicils should be kept with the will.

Occasionally, a gift to Cruelty Free International may be affected by an Inheritance Tax liability.  Fortunately, we are able to re-direct such gifts to our charitable sister arm, Cruelty Free International Trust (RCN1081183) using a simple document called a Deed of Variation that we can provide to your executors.  This helps us to ensure we are maximising the value of your gift and helping more animals in laboratories.