Legacies

Writing a will is an important step in ensuring that your wishes are honoured and that your legacy lives on. It is your opportunity to decide how your money, possessions, and property will be distributed, giving you control over what happens to the things you have worked hard for.

While thinking about a future you won’t be part of can be emotional, many find it to be a meaningful and positive experience. It is a chance to provide for your family’s future and to take care of the people and causes you love. By leaving a gift in your will, you are not only securing the future for your loved ones but also making a lasting impact for generations to come.

Leaving a charitable legacy in your Will also reduces your exposure to inheritance tax and can result in a 4% deduction overall of inheritance tax you pay on your estate. All gifts made are tax free and are advantageous to include in your Will, not only for a taxable benefit but to contribute to our work as well.

Gifts in wills: You can choose to leave a specific sum, a percentage of your estate, or a residuary gift.

Life insurance policies: Naming Once Upon a Smile as a beneficiary for policies that allow can make a powerful impact.

Charitable trusts: These can provide income to beneficiaries during their lifetime, with the remainder going to our charity.

Other planned gifts: Such as retirement accounts, stocks, or property.

We understand that leaving a gift in your will is a personal and important decision. Here is our promise to you:

• We know that the people important to you come first, and we will treat you and your family with respect and sensitivity.
• We understand this is an important decision, so we won’t put you under any pressure.
• You can decide whether to tell us about your decision; we respect your privacy if you choose not to inform us.
• We will be honest and transparent about our ability to accept gifts of property or items, or gifts towards a specific project. If you would like to get in touch to discuss your gift, we would be happy to talk about your options.
• We will spend your gift wisely, and only use it in the way you intend. Every penny of a legacy gift helps to support bereaved children.
• We will hold any information you tell us about a potential gift securely.
• You can change your mind at any time, and we will respect your decision.
• We understand that your circumstances may change, and you may need to take the Once Upon a Smile out of your will.
• We are happy to answer any questions you may have and talk to you about the impact your gift could have.

It is important to add that you should seek legal advice about leaving a legacy gift with a Solicitor. The Law Society has a database of Solicitors you can research and contact directly.