Leaving a gift in your will – a lasting legacy

A generation of music lovers and young people have benefited from Sinfonia Viva's accessible and inclusive approach to music making.

Your gift, no matter what size, is a special way you can ensure Sinfonia Viva's work can continue to inspire and give people at key life stages from all walks of life the chance to achieve.

If you love classical music, please consider remembering Sinfonia Viva in your Will. Your support will help us to introduce treasured classics and twentieth century masterpieces to thousands of people for the first time.

We understand that leaving a gift in your Will is an important decision and one you need to make in your own time.

If you have already included a gift in your Will to Sinfonia Viva, or intend to in the future, we would love to hear from you. Not only will this information allow us to plan for the future but more importantly it means that we can pass on our heartfelt thanks for your generous pledge. Your kind support will allow your love of classical music to live on and touch the lives of others long into the future.

We will be happy to provide you with more information to help you make your decision. If you would like to discuss your legacy please contact Simone Lennox-Gordon on 01332 2076566 or by email or write to Simone Lennox-Gordon, Sinfonia Viva, 11 -13  Robinson Estate, Shaftesbury Street, Derby DE23 8NL

What is a Will?
A Will is a legal document in which somebody states what they want to happen to their money, property and other assets when they die. Most people use a Will as an opportunity to look after loved-ones after their death. It is often helpful to seek advice from a solicitor when writing a Will as they will be able to help you to express your wishes in a way that is legally binding and tax efficient. They will also be able to advise you about any obligations that you have that affect the way your Will is drafted.

Why should I make a Will?
If you die without making a Will then the Intestacy Rules will dictate who will receive your assets after your death. Whilst making a Will is not always necessary (as for some people the Intestacy Rules will settle their estate in the way they would wish) by making a Will you can better ensure that your money, property and other assets go to the people that you want to benefit.

If you don't make a Will, then under the intestacy rules, your estate may not be distributed in the way that you would expect. For example:

• If you are separated by not divorced then at least part of your estate will still pass to your husband/wife
• If you have a partners who you are not married to then he/she would not receive anything from your estate
• If you have step-children then they would not benefit from your estate
• Any specific wishes you have may not be carried out (for instance in relation to personal possessions)

In addition to the way that your estate is administered, the Intestacy Rules may not be the most tax efficient way of dealing with your assets.

Many people wish to leave a gift to charity when they die. If you wanted to do this then you would have to do it in your Will. All gifts made to charity are free from Inheritance Tax and as such you may wish to consider a gift to charity when planning your Will to take advantage of the tax exemptions that are available.

Types of Legacies
If you would like to remember Sinfonia Viva in your Will, there are three main types of gift you can make:

• Residuary Gift – is the gift of all (or part) of the value of your estate after debts, liabilities and other legacies have been paid and is the most valuable thing of legacy to Sinfonia Viva
• Pecuniary Gift - is the gift of a particular sum of money
• Specific - is the gift of a specified item that could be for example; property, a painting or a piece of jewellery

What do I do if I already have a Will but want to change it?
If you decide that you want to change your Will then there are two main options.

• New Will – You can make an entirely new Will. It you decide to do this it is important to make sure that either the previous Will has been destroyed or your friends, family or solicitor know where the most recent Will was kept so that they do not administer your estate in accordance with an earlier Will.
  

  Suggested wording for a gift in your Will: If you would like to leave Sinfonia Viva a gift in your Will the following wording may be helpful when you visit your legal advisor: "I give all (or a _% share of) the residue of my estate to Sinfonia Viva, Registered Charity Number: 291046, Sinfonia Viva, 11 -13  Robinson Estate, Shaftesbury Street, Derby DE23 8NL, for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or duly authorised officer shall be a valid and appropriate form of discharge." 

• Codicil – if you just want to make a small change to your Will then this can be done by a Codicil that will be supplemental to the main Will.
  

  Suggested wording for a codicil to Sinfonia Viva: If you have already made your Will and decide that you would like to add a gift to Sinfonia Viva, the following wording for a codicil may be helpful when you visit your legal advisor:"I (name) of (address) declare this to be my first codicil to my last Will dated (date). I give (details of legacy) to Sinfonia Viva, Registered Charity Number: 291046, Sinfonia Viva, 11 -13  Robinson Estate, Shaftesbury Street, Derby DE23 8NL, for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the Treasurer or duly authorised officer shall be valid and appropriate form of discharge. In all other respects I confirm my Will."

How do I make a Will and how much will it cost?
Whilst it is possible to write your own Will this can be risky and give rise to unintended consequences. If there is any doubt that the Will has not been executed properly or the gifts being given are unclear then the Will could be deemed invalid. This means that an earlier Will or the Intestacy Rules will determine how your estate will be distributed and this may not be in accordance with your wishes.

Many solicitors firms offer Will drafting services. This may increase depending on the complexity of your Will and if any tax planning advice is needed.