Wills and Estate Plans
A carefully prepared will or estate plan is the best way to ensure that
your
loved
ones are provided for after your death, and that your preferred charities
are
supported as you intend. They allow you to retain full use of your
assets
during
your lifetime and still make a significant gift for the Church. They
are
technical
documents that should therefore be drafted by an attorney, but they
may
be revised and updated whenever you like, as your wishes and
circumstances
change. By far the most common means of making a charitable
gift
is through a personal trust or will. It's no wonder: such gifts allow
you to
contribute
to the Church at a level you might never have managed during your
lifetime.
Your bequest can take a variety of forms. Here are a few samples
for
you
to consider:
Specific
Bequest
The most popular type of charitable bequest, a specific bequest provides
that the Church receives a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate,
or piece of property
Residuary
Bequest
A residuary bequest provides that the Church receives all or a stated
portion of your estate after all other bequests, debts, taxes, and expenses
have been distributed.
Contingent
Bequest
A contingent bequest can ensure that if circumstances make it impossible
to
carry out your primary provisions (as when your spouse or other heirs do
not
survive you), your assets will then pass to the Church rather than to
unintended beneficiaries.
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