How to include a bequest in your Will

Before you visit your solicitor, make a list of everything you own and think about who your executor could be. Our Will planner could help you do this. 

Download the will planner (Word, 1.6MB)

Your Will is a chance to remember the people and causes that mean the most to you. We also hope, that after taking care of your loved ones, you’ll consider giving some of what is left to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Gifts from people like you are absolutely vital so that our research keeps making life better for children in the future.

Download wording for your will (26.4 MB)

We receive all types of gifts from generous, every-day Australians and are very grateful for every single one. There are several ways you can include us in your Will:

• A residuary bequest is the whole or a percentage share of your estate after providing for family and friends. We ask our supporters to consider this type of gift because it does not decrease in value over time.
• A pecuniary bequest is a specific dollar amount. You should be aware that this option does not allow for changes of circumstance or inflation.
• A specific gift such as real estate, shares, or other items.
• A whole estate. This type of gift is usually left to us by those without preferred beneficiaries, or those wanting to achieve something very substantial with their gift.
   

Other gifts

We recommend talking to a solicitor if you’re interested in other types of gifts such as gifts in trusts, life interests and conditional gifts as it is important to get the wording for these gifts correct so that your wishes may be carried out as you have intended.

You should always ask for advice from a legal professional when making or updating your Will. That way you can be sure your wishes are recorded correctly and are legally binding.

Choosing a solicitor

We recommend seeking the advice of a solicitor who specialises in Wills and estate law. You can view a list of all State and Territory Law Societies to help find the right solicitor for you.

It’s a good idea to be prepared before you meet with your solicitor for Will-making advice.  Below are some things to think about and take with you. 

Adding a gift to an existing Will
You can still help children with a gift to Murdoch Children’s Institute by adding a codicil to your existing Will. A solicitor can help you do this. It is important not to write on an existing Will or physically attach a codicil to your Will as this may make it invalid.

Making the most of your gift
To make the most of your gift to Murdoch Children’s Research Institute it may be useful to discuss the following with your solicitor.

1. Superannuation
   Superannuation can be one of the largest assets you have but it does not automatically become part of your estate. If you would like to give your superannuation balance to Murdoch Children’s Institute you can arrange for it to be paid to your estate and then distributed in accordance with your Will. Please seek advice from your solicitor about this.

2. Transfer shares
   You can instruct your executors to transfer assets (such as shares) directly to us “in specie” rather than selling your assets and sending the proceeds. Because we have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status these assets can be transferred to us without tax being paid on the capital gains. This means that more of your gift will be able to be spent on saving children’s lives in the future. Speak to your solicitor if you are interested in this option.

Online Wills

Online Will services can be an inexpensive option when writing a simple Will.

We find that most families are very proud when their loved ones think of making a difference to children’s lives with their Wills. It is still important to tell your family about why you are remembering Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in your Will so that your final wishes can be carried out as you would like.  

It would also be very helpful if you could let us know about your plans. That way, we can keep you connected to the amazing progress that is being made and the impact that your gift will have on the future health of children. 

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