MAKE A BEQUEST

Many people spend time making plans and thinking about the future, but overlook one of the most important responsibilities - making a Will. About one-third of all Australians die without leaving a Will. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland offers an up to date free comprehensive booklet -"Willing to Give" which discusses relevant and important information regarding Wills and Bequests.

What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document you have signed in the presence of two witnesses, recognised by Law and administered in the Supreme Court, as being your wishes for the distribution of your assets after you have died. Your assets can include money, property, shares, furniture, insurance policies, various works of art or other items of value.

Why do I need a Will?

If you do not have a valid Will, the Court determines you have died "intestate", which then appoints an administrator who distributes your assets according to a specific legal formula. When you make a Will you have the opportunity to ensure that you provide for loved ones and friends, and it is the only way you can be sure your assets and possessions are distributed as you wish.

Your Will also gives you an opportunity to leave a very special gift to organisations you admire or which have played an important part in your life. This type of gift, known as a Bequest, is the ultimate expression of your generosity and represents different things to different people. When you leave a Bequest to the MS Society of Queensland , you guarantee that your generosity and values will continue to live on well beyond your own lifetime.

Getting help from solicitors or Trustee Companies

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland can provide a current list of solicitors who can help you with writing your Will. They can assist to amend your Will (called a codicil) or draw up a new one if you wish for a substantial change. Solicitors and trustee companies can also give advice on reducing tax depending on the way your Will is arranged and can also discuss with you the importance of nominating a Power of Attorney.

Appropriate wording to make a Bequest in your Will

A Bequest will help the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland in 'seeking the cure' for MS and 'providing the care' to people and family whose lives are directly and indirectly affected by this mystery disease.

Should you decide to make a Bequest to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland in your Will, the suggested wording for inclusion is:

"I give and bequeath free of all duties to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland of 286 Gladstone Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, (please include your Bequest option here), for its general purpose and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my trustees."

If you would like to receive your free copy of "Willing to Give " , or to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss leaving email mssociety@msqld.org.au or phone 1800 287 367.