Knysna Sedgefield Hospice

Why is it important to compile a will?

We all have plans for the future and for the rest of our lives. But have you thought further than that? Have you considered what will happen to your family and friends when you have gone? What will become of all your personal possessions? You have a right and a responsibility to decide by ensuring that you have a valid will.

What happens when you don’t leave a will?

If you don’t leave a will, your estate will be divided up according to State laws. This is a lengthy process, during which urgently needed funds may be tied up, placing additional worry and hardship on your family. Your estate will also attract the maximum estate duty. Precious items may have to be sold and the money distributed - not necessarily according to your wishes. Even if you have made these wishes clear verbally, they cannot be enforced without a valid will.

Can you compile a will by yourself?

Adding a codicil to change an existing will is a simple matter but it is not advisable to try and draw up or change a will without consulting an attorney or financial advisor.

Why leave a bequest to charity?

Charitable bequests have been included in wills for centuries. They are a way of keeping your ideals, your compassion and your vision alive for years to come. A bequest offers you the opportunity to make a really worthwhile gift which you might otherwise not have been able to consider - perhaps to perpetuate your name or the name of a loved one. Particularly if your children have grown up and are self-sufficient, you may find tremendous satisfaction in using your bequest to help make the world a better place and to touch the lives of people in need.

Knysna Hospice has been approved by the South African Revenue Services as a Public benefit Organisation in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act. Any bequests to Knysna Hospice are therefore exempt from payment of Estate Duty in terms of Section 4 (h) of the Estate Duty Act No. 45 of 1955. This means that the amount of any bequest to Knysna Hospice may be deducted from the nett value of the Estate when calculating the Estate’s liability for Estate Duty Purposes.

How would Knysna Hospice use my bequest?

When you leave a legacy to Hospice care, you provide vital funds that will help ease the final days and weeks of those in need.

Your bequest will provide practical support and spiritual comfort at a time when it is needed most. Your gift could have greater impact, perhaps providing new Hospice facilities or bursaries to train more nursing sisters in palliative care. Bequests are invested in our Endowment Fund and work in perpetuity for Hospice. If you are considering a bequest to Knysna Hospice, please contact us as we would appreciate a chance to say a discreet thank you, and to plan with you a fitting tribute to your generosity.

Bequest options

The type of bequest you choose will vary according to individual circumstances. Here are some options you may want to consider.

1. A SPECIFIC SUM OF MONEY / A SPECIFIC ITEM
   This is the simplest bequest, but has the disadvantage of having to be reviewed from time to time to allow for the effects of inflation and changes in your circumstances.

2. A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR ESTATE
   This ensures a fair division between all your beneficiaries, whether your estate grows or is depleted by inflation or unforseen costs.

3. ALL OR PART OF THE RESIDUE OF YOUR ESTATE
   This means whatever is left over (or a portion thereof), after you have made provision for loved ones.

4. LIFE ASSURANCE POLICIES
   Usually we have insurance to take care of a specific situation which may lose it’s relevance as we get older. Such a policy may be ceded to a worthy charity in your will.

   The information contained in this leaflet should not be taken as a substitute for professional legal advice. Please consult an attorney or other qualified person when drawing up or revising your will.

Download the Bequest Brochure click here (3MB)