Thank you for taking on the role of Executor and carrying out the wishes of your loved one. By leaving a gift to Battersea in their Will, they have created a legacy that will help dogs and cats for years to come.
We know this can be a difficult time so we want to make things as simple and stress free as we can.
Find out what we need from you as an executor, how to administer a gift left to Battersea and where to get support throughout the process.
Your role as an executor
As an executor, you’re responsible for gathering information about the estate, applying for probate, paying any debts or tax, and distributing gifts according to the Will. We’ll work with you to make the process as smooth as possible.
More details can be found at Dealing with the estate of someone who's died: Overview - GOV.UK
What to expect when dealing with a charity
Charities must follow Charity Commission rules. This means we need certain documents and information before we can receive a gift. We’ll always explain why we’re asking for something and keep our requests as straightforward as possible.
What we need when you get in touch
To help us update our records and begin the process, please share:
- Full name of the person who has died
- Their last known address (and any recent previous addresses)
- The date they died
- A copy of the Will.
If they owned a pet
If the person who has died owned a dog or cat and you need help with rehoming, please let us know. We can guide you through the options, such as our Forever Loved program.
If Battersea has been left a share of the estate
If the gift is a share of the estate (a residuary gift), we also need a list of assets and liabilities at the date of death or a copy of the Probate Application.
This helps us understand any tax considerations and ensures the estate is administered correctly.
Contact us
Ready to get in touch? Once you have everything ready for us, reach out to our Legacy Administration team at legacyadmin@battersea.org.uk or 0207 501 7988.
Making the payment
The simplest way to make the legacy payment is by bank transfer. Please contact us for our account details.
If you prefer to send a cheque, make it payable to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and post it to:
Legacy Administration Team
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4AA
Please include the details listed above so we can identify the gift.
When to get professional advice
If the estate is complex, has property or land, or involves inheritance tax, it may help to talk to a solicitor, a property surveyor, or an accountant.
How gifts help dogs and cats
Gifts in Wills fund the care, treatment and rehoming for thousands of animals every year. Your loved one’s gift will make a lasting difference.
How to administer a gift summary
- Contact us at legacyadmin@battersea.org.uk or 0207 501 7988
- Share the Will and key details
- Provide estate information if needed
- Ask us anything along the way
- Make the legacy payment
- Receive confirmation from us
