Find your solicitor
A solicitor will be able to prepare a will in accordance with your wishes, ensure it is signed correctly and confirm its legality.
The Law Society can advise on finding local solicitors. Their details are as follows:
England and Wales: 0207 242 1222 | www.lawsociety.org.uk
Scotland: 0131 226 7411 | www.lawscot.org.uk
Northern Ireland: 0289 023 1614 | www.lawsoc-ni.org/
Alternatively, you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
List your assets
Your estate means more than just the money in your bank account, and you may be surprised how the value of your home and possessions add up. We’ve got a handy asset calculator to help you start thinking about all you own. Take this with you when you visit a solicitor.
List your beneficiaries
Decide who you would like to benefit from your assets after your death. This may include friends, family and/or The Fire Fighters Charity.
Decide what gifts you leave
There are a number of ways you can leave gifts in your will. A residuary gift is a share of your estate, while a pecuniary gift states a specific amount of money or item to be given.
Remember us
If you decide to remember The Fire Fighters Charity in your will, first of all, thank you very much! Please take our charity number and address to your solicitor. You can find more information on this below.
What if I want to change an existing will?
We appreciate life can change at any time, so it’s vital you update your will to reflect changes in family or personal circumstances. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on the best way to update your will, but we’ve got a codicil form you can download and give to your solicitor. This supplements your existing will without having to draw up a new one.
Preferred wording for solicitors
If you’d like to include The Fire Fighters Charity, here is some sample wording to take to your solicitor.
Residuary bequest (to give all or part of your residue)
Subject to the payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, I give the whole / ____% of my estate not otherwise disposed of by this my will to The Fire Fighters Charity (a charity registered in England and Wales 1093387 and Scotland SCO40096) of Level 6, Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RH21 4HG* for the general charitable purposes of The Fire Fighters Charity. I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.
Pecuniary bequest (to give a specific amount of money)
I give free of tax to The Fire Fighters Charity (a charity registered in England and Wales 1093387 and Scotland SCO40096) of Level 6, Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RH21 4HG*, the sum of £____ for the general charitable purposes of The Fire Fighters Charity. I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.
Specific bequest (to give a specific item you own)
I give to The Fire Fighters Charity (a charity registered in England and Wales 1093387 and Scotland SCO40096) of Level 6, Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RH21 4HG* <insert name of specific item> or its sale proceeds for the general charitable purposes of The Fire Fighters Charity. I declare that the receipt of its Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.
*If you wish to leave a gift in your will for the benefit of a specific Fire and Rescue Service or area, please use the address of The Fire Fighters Charity as above and add the following sentence to the clause: “I express the wish that the said charity uses the said bequest for <insert name of specific brigade or area>.”
