Frequently asked questions

Every year we receive around half of our voluntary income from kind supporters who have remembered us with a gift in their will. These gifts play a vital role in funding our work to help older people with the challenges they face in later life, ensuring they receive the help and support they need. Much of the work we do today is only possible due to supporters remembering us in this way and we are very grateful for this incredibly generous support.

Having an up-to-date will helps ensure that your wishes can be carried out and money and belongings will go to the people and causes you care about. A legally valid will can also protect those left to sort out your estate from confusion, difficulties and added stress at a time when they least need it. If you don't make a will, in legal terms you will die 'intestate' and your estate may not go to the people you intended.

Writing a will needn’t be a complicated process – it’s all in the preparation. We have lots of practical information available about making a will that will guide you through the process step by step.

Writing a will is not as expensive as you might think. Solicitors can provide estimates on request, but the cost will depend on how complex your affairs are. It’s best to telephone a few solicitors to compare the services that they offer and their fees.

We’re unable to recommend a particular solicitor and suggest that you contact the Law Society who can provide details of solicitors in your area, including those who specialise in wills and probate. We always recommend that a will should be drafted by a qualified professional, such as a solicitor, as their businesses are regulated by law.

We’re very happy to give general advice about writing a will and leaving a gift to Age Cymru. We have lots of practical information available, so please contact us for further information.

We would always recommend that you contact a legal professional, such as a solicitor, for legal advice relevant to your own circumstances.

You can choose to leave a residuary gift (a share of your estate after taxes and debts have been paid), a pecuniary gift (a fixed sum of money) or a specific gift (a named item, such as a painting or stocks and shares). Whatever the value of your gift, it will go a long way to help someone who needs us.

Every gift we receive from our supporters – small or large – is important to us, and contributes towards the work of Age Cymru. Even a small percentage of your estate can make a big difference to Age Cymru, whilst safeguarding both your intentions and your loved ones' interests.

If you already have a will and you want to include a gift to Age Cymru in it, there may not be need to rewrite it. You can ask a qualified professional such as a solicitor to add an amendment (called a codicil). As a general rule, if the change you wish to make is quite small or simple, you can use a codicil, and if the change is more significant or complex you should make a new will.

You don’t have to, but by letting us know you will allow us to say thank you for this wonderful gesture and to ensure we communicate with you appropriately in the future. We fully appreciate that your will is a private matter and anything you share with us will be kept confidential.

View our suggested wording for leaving a gift to Age UK in your will.