A Specific Bequest is a gift of a particular item of property you own. You should make sure that it is clearly identified in your Will.

A Pecuniary Bequest is a gift of a fixed amount of money. Some people avoid making this form of bequest because inflation gradually reduces the value of the gift and means that the Will may need regular updating.

“I give the sum of £_______(or the item specified) to Hands of Mercy International, Registered Charity No. 1097434 for its charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Hands of Mercy International for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”

A Residuary Bequest is a gift given from the residue (or remainder) of your estate – for example, one quarter of the residue of A and one tenth each of Y and Z, etc. The residue is all your property after all other specific and pecuniary legacies have been paid, together with all debts, liabilities, costs and tax.

“I give the residue of my estate to Hands of Mercy International, Registered Charity No. 1097434 for its charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Hands of Mercy International for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”

A codicil is a change or addition made to an existing Will.

You should consult your solicitor over the precise wording that is appropriate for your Codicil, but here is an example of the wording of a typical Codicil:

“I (full name) of (address) DECLARE this to be a First Codicil to my Will dated (date in words).

1. I give the sum (the amount in words and figures) to Hands of Mercy International, Registered Charity No. 1097434 for its charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Hands of Mercy International for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.”

2. IN ALL other aspects I confirm my said Will.

IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this (date in words).

SIGNED by the said (name) the Testator as and for a First Codicil to his (her) said Will dated the (date) in the presence of us both being present at the same time who at his (her) request in his (her) presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses:

Signature of Testator and two Witnesses.”