How to leave a legacy

We suggest that anybody wishing to support the University through a legacy should consult with a solicitor or legal professional in the first instance.

This will ensure that your intentions are recorded properly. All sample wording included here should be tailored to your own desires for what you would like your gift to achieve.

For a Residuary bequest

I give all (or a ….% share) of the residue of my estate to the University of Exeter, Northcote House, The Queen’s Drive, Exeter EX4 4QJ (exempt charity reference number X9538) to be used for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of a proper officer of the University shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors.

For a Pecuniary bequest

I give free of tax to the University of Exeter, Northcote House, The Queen’s Drive, Exeter EX4 4QJ (exempt charity reference number X9538) the sum of £ (figures and words) to be used for its general charitable purposes, and I declare that the receipt of a proper officer of the University shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors

For an Index-linked Pecuniary bequest

I give free of tax the sum of money produced by dividing the sum of £ (figures and words) by the index figure in the Index of Retail Prices ('the Index') for the month in which this Will is executed and (having made allowance for any re-basing of the Index which may have happened in the meantime) multiplying it by the index figure in the Index for the month in which my death occurs, to the University of Exeter, Northcote House, The Queen’s Drive, Exeter EX4 4QJ (exempt charity reference X9538) and I declare that the receipt of a proper officer of the University shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors.

Making changes to an existing Will

Changing your Will can be a very simple and inexpensive process.  Simple alterations are usually made through a supplement to your Will known as a codicil.  It confirms the original Will but adds to it.  However, it is always sensible to consult a solicitor who will advise you whether it is more appropriate to re-write your Will rather than add to it.  A codicil is particularly appropriate if you simply wish to add a gift to a charity.  Codicils need to be witnessed, signed and dated in exactly the same way as your Will.  The witnesses do not have to be the same as those who witnessed your Will, but of course they cannot be beneficiaries under the Will or codicil or the spouse of the beneficiary.

An example of a codicil is listed detailed below: 

I ______________ (name) of (address) declare this to be a (first/second or subsequent) codicil to my Will dated ______________. In addition to any legacies given in my said Will I give to the University of Exeter, Northcote House, The Queen’s Drive, Exeter EX4 4QJ (exempt charity reference number X9538) (the sum of £[figures and words]/specific item/__% share of my estate) to be used for general purposes and I declare that the receipt of a proper officer of the University shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors.

You may, of course, stipulate any restrictions on how you would like your legacy to be used.

For more information on leaving a legacy read our Goodwill Guide.

If you would like to make your legacy gift to a particular department or project, please contact Clare Pearce, Fundraising Manager, at 01392 722235 or C.L.Pearce@exeter.ac.uk for further information.