THE SCHEME
What exactly is Community Wills Sussex?
Community Wills Sussex is a brand new free will writing community initiative brought to you by 5 of Sussex’s most renowned local charities in partnership with Britton and Time Solicitors.
The scheme operates twice a year and is open to anyone over the age of 55, offering a free will in exchange for a legacy gift to one or more of our local charity partners.
And the best part is, all gifts that you leave go back into the local Sussex communities that you live in and that our charity partners work tirelessly to support.
Make a Difference
That Lasts Beyond
Your Lifetime.
Register your interest early, and we'll get back to you when the scheme opens!
THE SCHEME
How Can You Get Involved?
Community Wills Sussex runs twice a year, once in April and once in November and you can start booking appointments in the two weeks running up to each appointment period.
There are two ways that you can arrange your free will:
Provide your contact details through the contact form here or on our Contact Us page and we’ll pass them on to Britton and Time Solicitors to contact you; or
Call Britton and Time Solicitors directly during the booking window (in April and November each year) on to arrange an appointment
Most people will be eligible for an entirely free will, but some people with more complex than average affairs may need to pay a discounted will writing fee. To determine this, we will ask you a few questions about your estate and circumstances. You will always be advised of any will writing fees applicable prior to deciding whether to get involved.
The scheme has limited spaces, which are available on a first come, first served basis, so register your interest now to avoid missing out.
Follow us on our socials to stay in the loop:
Follow us on our socials to stay in the loop:
THE SCHEME
Why Are Wills So Important?
Wills are crucial for ensuring that the distribution of everything you have worked hard for in your lifetime is exactly how you wish. If you pass away without a will, the people you hold nearest and dearest may not be provided for at all, depending on your circumstances.
Wills help to:
- Give you peace of mind that the distribution of your assets will be as you wish, helping to avoid family disputes or legal battles, as well as easing the stress or uncertainty of your loss.
- Minimise the impact of taxes and legal costs on your loved ones.
- Appoint someone you trust to execute your wishes.
Secure Your Family’s Future,
Support Vital Local Causes.
THE SCHEME
Upcoming Dates For Your Diary
Charity Partner Focus
March 2024
Booking Window Opens
1 April 2024
Appointments Begin
1 May to 30 June 2024
Wills
Wills
THE SCHEME
The Benefits of Leaving Gifts to Charity
Legacy gifts (or charitable gift) are a type of charitable contribution that you can make in your will. They allow you to make a lasting impact on a cause that you feel strongly about, even if you are no longer around and can even help to reduce your estate’s overall inheritance tax liabilities.
Many charities derive a significant portion of income from legacies, and our partners are no different.
Legacy gifts can take many forms and can involve:
- Leaving a percentage of your remaining estate, following fees, outstanding costs, and other gifts. Referred to as a residuary legacy.
- Leaving a fixed sum of money. Referred to as a pecuniary gift, the value of which is often linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) so that it doesn’t lost value over time.
- Leaving specific assets, such as property, stocks, or jewellery. Referred to as a specific legacy.
THE SCHEME
Simple and Complex Wills
Community Wills Sussex offers participants the opportunity to receive a free simple will or a heavily discounted complex will, but what do these terms mean?
Simple wills account for approximately 60% of all wills and generally involve a more straightforward distribution of assets to a smaller number of beneficiaries and therefore require less complex and specific legal advice.
Complex wills involve a more complex collection of assets or beneficiaries and may require special trusts or provisions, as well as potentially in-depth tax planning – they therefore require more detailed and specific legal advice.
THE SCHEME
Simple and Complex Wills
Community Wills Sussex offers participants the opportunity to receive a free simple will or a heavily discounted complex will, but what do these terms mean?
Simple wills account for approximately 60% of all wills and generally involve a more straightforward distribution of assets to a smaller number of beneficiaries and therefore require less complex and specific legal advice.
Complex wills involve a more complex collection of assets or beneficiaries and may require special trusts or provisions, as well as potentially in-depth tax planning – they therefore require more detailed and specific legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
THE SCHEME
Can I take part if I don't live in Sussex?
Yes, the scheme is open to anyone who would like to support our fantastic selection of Sussex-based charity partners. Please note though that you may need to complete your will writing appointment remotely if you are unable to attend our will writing partner’s offices.
Can we make free wills as a couple if one of us is under 55?
Yes, as long as either you or your partner are aged 55 or over, you can take part.
Is it possible to leave gifts to a charity outside of the scheme?
Yes. We know many people may want to support more than one charity and it’s perfectly fine to leave gifts to charities outside of the scheme, provided you name at least one Community Wills Sussex charity partner in your will.
Are powers of attorney and trusts included?
No. Although many people will draw up a lasting power of attorney or a trust at the same time that they write their will, these are not included within the free service and are charged for separately should you need them.
If you think you may need either of these documents drawn up, our will writing partner can advise on when they would be applicable and what you need to do.
Do I need to pay anything up front for my will?
No. Instead, we ask for a legacy cash gift to be left to one of our charity partners, which comes out of your estate when you pass away. This is a minimum and anything more that you can leave will help your chosen charity immensely and offset future inflation.
I'm from a charity and would like to know how to get involved.
We’re always interested in hearing from other local, Sussex-based charities about getting involved in Community Wills Sussex.
If you’d like to register your interest in joining, please send us an email to info@cwsussex.co.uk, including a link to your charity’s website, an outline of what you do, and how your work directly benefits the people of Sussex.
For any charities who operate nationally with a focus on Sussex, please understand that we work to represent local charities who do not operate with the same scale of funding that national charities are used to.
WILLS
Can you update my existing will?
We do offer codicils, however it’s best to speak to our will writing partner about your specific circumstances. In many cases, having a new will written, particularly if years have passed since you last updated your will, is easier.
Is it better to have a solicitor write my will?
Yes. There are many extremely cheap will writing services out there, but often they use unregulated will writers or automated software to write your will. If you own a house, have a private pension or any other type of investment, or you have purchased life insurance, often it pays to sit down and have a discussion with a solicitor to talk about your estate, and tailor your will to your personal circumstances.
Can I ask for a simple will?
Our will writing partner assesses everyone based upon their individual circumstances and offers you the service they deem most appropriate. The majority of people are eligible for a simple will, but if not, you will be eligible for a heavily discounted complex will.
Do you do home visits?
Our will writing partner, Britton and Time Solicitors, is based in Hove and they can offer face-to-face appointments, remote appointments through Microsoft Teams or Zoom, and home visits.
Please note that home visits will attract an additional charge, depending on where you are.
Our Charity Partners
Our Charity Partners
Founded in 1903, Chailey Heritage Foundation provides education and care services for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities. Most of the young people who access their services have severe cerebral palsy or have visual and sensory impairments – with all being wheelchair users with limited verbal capabilities. Chailey Heritage Foundation specialises in maximising independence and choice, developing effective communication and providing powered mobility opportunities.
Established in 1967 by Dr Trevor Mann, Rockinghorse provides life-saving medical equipment and additional services, with the aim of improving the lives of sick children throughout Sussex. Relying solely on the generous support of individuals, community groups, schools, companies, and trusts, Rockinghorse works closely with the Royal Alex and Trevor Mann Baby Unit, the Special Care Baby Unit in the Princess Royal Hospital, as well as various other paediatric wards and specialist units under the belief that no matter where, children should always be children.
Founded in 1994, RISE is a feminist, women-led and centred charity supporting women, their families, and members of the LGBT+ community affected by domestic abuse and violence. RISE offers strength-based, trauma-informed services and is committed to providing accessible, fair, and safe services to survivors of all ages and backgrounds. Standing for Refuge, Information, Support, and Education, RISE provides relief across Brighton & Hove and Sussex.
Established in 1919, Care for Veterans has provided award-winning care, rehabilitation, and respite to disabled ex-armed forces personnel from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy, and auxiliary services. Care for Veterans adopts a multi-disciplinary approach combining rehabilitation through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy with social and recreational activities. Most residents have an acquired brain injury or degenerative neurological condition and therefore require specialist, first-class care.
Established in 1975 by Katherine Wilson, the Kit Wilson Trust has grown from modest beginnings. In 1986, the charity set up its animal rescue centre in Hadlow Down, near Uckfield where the Trust continues to operate from today. In addition to animal rescue and re-homing work, the Trust has become increasingly involved in wildlife rehabilitation and it operates a wildlife emergency helpline. Over the years, the Rescue Centre has also become a permanent home to many animals that it is not possible or desirable to re-home.
CHARITY PARTNERS
How Your Gift Can Help
