GUIDE TO MAKING A WILL

It is usually best to choose a solicitor to write your Will because the world of Will-writing, inheritance and probate is not always straightforward.

If you have already made a Will without including a gift for the Galapagos Conservation Trust and you would now like to do so, an amendment can easily be made at very little cost.

For suggested wording for your bequest, visit Your bequest.

1. Assess your estate

Make a list of all your significant possessions. For example, your house, car, savings and insurance, and other items of value.

2. Decide who you would like to benefit

You can choose to share your estate between anyone you like - your spouse, family or friends. After your family and friends have all been properly provided for you may decide to leave a legacy that helps protect the Galapagos for future generations.

3. Decide what sorts of gift to leave

You can leave any kind of gift: a share of your estate (residuary), an amount of money (pecuniary) or specific items. Your solicitor will also be able to advise you on the benefits of the different types of legacy.

• Residuary bequest
  A gift of the remainder of the estate after all other bequests have been made and debts cleared is called a residuary bequest.
• Pecuniary bequest
  A gift of a fixed sum of money in your Will is called a pecuniary bequest. The value of pecuniary legacies will decrease over time, as the cost of living increases.
• Specific bequest
  A particular named item left as a gift in your Will is known as a specific bequest - for example, a piece of jewellery.
• Contingent bequest
  A gift in your Will that depends upon the occurrence of an event which may or may not happen is known legally as a contingent bequest. An example is a bequest to a charity which applies only if other beneficiaries named in the Will die before the testator (person who made the Will).

4. Choose your executors

You should now select between one and four people who will be able and willing to ensure the wishes within your Will are carried out. You can choose your bank, your solicitor, or willing friends or relatives.

5. Make a list of any other questions you may want to ask your solicitor.

6. Arrange to see your solicitor to make your Will

This shouldn't take long - but it's important to involve a legal professional to draw it up for you. If all the legal formalities are not correctly followed, your Will could be declared invalid.

7. Ensure that your Will is correctly drawn up

When you are happy with the contents of your Will, make sure that it is executed and witnessed properly. Your solicitor can advise you on this.

8. Keep your Will up to date

You can update your Will at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances - such as the sale of your house, or the death of friends or loved ones. Your solicitor can advise you on the best way to change your Will - either by re-writing it or by adding a codicil. It is recommended that you review your Will at least once every five years. After all, life never stands still.

9. I would like to make a gift to the Galapagos Conservation Trust in my Will. What information do I need to include?

The main thing is to include our full name of Galapagos Conservation Trust, registered office address and registered charity number, as below:
Galapagos Conservation Trust
5 Derby Street
London W1J 7AB
Registered Charity Number: 1043470

10. I am an executor and there's a bequest to the Galapagos Conservation Trust in the Will. How should I pay the money to you?

Please send a cheque payable to Galapagos Conservation Trust to:
Galapagos Conservation Trust
5 Derby Street
London W1J 7AB

11. I would like to ensure that my legacy is used for a particular project or for a specific area of research. How do I do this?

It is best for us if gifts of any kind are made unconditionally. No one can say for certain what future needs will be in Galapagos, when a Will becomes effective. For example, if the eradication of goats on Isabela has been successful your legacy could be used for another vital project but if there are binding conditions attached to a legacy which we cannot satisfy, Galapagos Conservation Trust may not be able to benefit from the legacy.

You can request in your Will that your gift be used to fund a specific area. However, it is very important to us that, if at all possible, such requests are stated as a preference and not a condition. If you have any doubts about the gift you wish to make, please contact our Chief Executive, Mrs Toni Darton, on 0207 629 5049.

12. What will happen to the contents of my house if I leave them to the Galapagos Conservation Trust?

We will appoint an agent to value the contents of your house and arrange to have them sold at the best possible price. If you have any items that you think are of particular value it is very helpful for us if you could itemise them in your Will.

13. How do I give a part of my life insurance to GCT?

If you belong to a company pension scheme, you may be able to complete an 'expression of wish' form to benefit the Galapagos Conservation Trust or any other charity of your choice. In the event of your death, the stated proportion of the life insurance benefit will be paid to your chosen charities. The 'expression of wish' form notifies the pension fund's trustees of your wishes. Please note, not all company pension schemes are set up to allow an 'expression of wish' so you will need to check.

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