Legacy Link

The contested legacy; the marmite of the legacy administration world! Legacy officers either relish the opportunity to get to grips with a more challenging and not so straight forward estate administration, or loathe the prospect of navigating the complex myriad of highly charged emotions, legalistic arguments, and PR implications.

A will is an expression of a person's final wishes, but occasionally, what should be a document reflecting the deceased's wishes may reveal signs of financial abuse. Financial abuse towards an elderly or dependent person can unfortunately extend to their will and financial abuse in wills can be subtle but devastating. It is crucial as legacy officers that we are able to recognise the signs and, where appropriate, take action to address any wrongdoing.

Delegated authority allows charity trustees to assign some of their powers to internal committees, individual trustees, or employees, so they can carry out specific tasks or make certain decisions on behalf of the charity. In particular for us to allow key decisions in Legacy Administration.

The ability to budget and forecast legacy income is an essential part of your charity’s financial planning. So, how is this done and what are the key issues and risks to consider?

On occasion, your charity may be asked to become the executor of a Will, either by someone who is making their Will, or in respect of a person who has died leaving a Will but their named executor is unable or unwilling to act. Should you agree to do this and what are the risks and benefits?

Weekends mean ‘lie-ins’ in our household (in a very loose sense of the word). The chance to enjoy the comforts of a soft mattress and a bit more shut-eye for an extra hour or so until the necessities of the day and the co-ordinating of children can’t be put off for any longer.