How to word your Will in order
to share your estate

1. A share of, or the residue of your estate (Residuary Gift)
Many people choose not to leave a stated sum of money, but rather leave a share or the residue of their estate. This is one of the most effective ways to make the value of your estate inflation proof. Suggested wording for the entire residue of your estate may be:

‘I bequeath to the charity known as Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2324 Omilo Lane, Honolulu, HI  96819, the residue of my estate.’

Suggested wording for a share of the residue of your estate:

‘My executors (these will be defined) shall divide the residue of my estate into equal shares and shall hold such shares as follows: a) as to (specify amount) such shares for the charity known as Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2324 Omilo Lane, Honolulu, HI  96819) as to (specify amount) such shares for (legatee) of (address) absolutely.’

Note: there are tax implications in leaving the residue between charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries and your professional adviser will be able to assist you with this.

2. A stated sum of money (Pecuniary Gift)

If you would prefer to leave an actual sum of money you may find the following wording helpful:

‘I bequeath to the charity known as Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2324 Omilo Lane, Honolulu, HI  96819 the sum of £XX.’

If you would like to make the value of your bequest inflation proof you can do this in the form of an inflation proof pecuniary bequest, i.e.

‘I bequeath to the charity known as the Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2324 Omilo Lane, Honolulu, HI  96819 the sum of money produced by dividing the sum of £XX by the index figure in the Index of Retail Prices (‘the Index’) for the month in which the Will is executed and (having made allowance for a re-basing of the index which may have happened in the meantime) multiplying it by the index figure in the Index of the month in which my death occurs.’

3. A Specific Gift
If you are considering leaving a specific item to the Museum for its permanent collection we would be grateful if in the first instance we can discuss this with you. Where an object is offered to the Museum for its collection we would suggest the following wording:

‘I bequeath to the charity known as Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2324 Omilo Lane, Honolulu, HI  96819 my (describe the object).’

Please note that Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church is not a legal adviser and would recommend that you do seek the advice of a professional to ensure your Will is correctly drawn up and kept up to date.