Leaving a legacy to the Home

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home can act as the Executor of your estate if you wish. The Home has Trust Corporation Status which gives us to the legal standing to take out a Grant of Probate in England and Wales.

 "I appoint Battersea Dogs & Cats Home of 4 Battersea Park Road London SW8 4AA Charity Registration Number: (206394) as Executor and Trustee of my estate".

"I give _______ to Battersea Dogs' and Cats' Home of 4 Battersea Park Road London SW8 4AA (registered charity number 206394) for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of the said charity shall be a complete discharge to my Trustees."

"I give all my Estate both real and personal (after payment of my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses) to Battersea Dogs' and Cats' Home of 4 Battersea Park Road London SW8 4AA (registered charity number 206394) for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of the said charity shall be a complete discharge to my Trustees."

Once your Will has been written, you will need to sign it in the presence of two witnesses who will then also sign your Will in the same company. Your witnesses must not be beneficiaries or the spouse of a beneficiary. Your professional advisor will be able to assist further.

Once you have made your Will, keep a copy for yourself and keep the original in a safe place (e.g. with your Solicitor or Bank). It is advisable to review your Will from time to time and it is especially important if your circumstances change through marriage or divorce as parts of your Will may become void.

If you only need to make minor changes, this can be done by making a Codicil, which will need to be executed in the same way as your Will, and should be kept alongside your Will.

Therefore, leaving a charity legacy is simple and it allows you to support a cause, which you are feeling close to.