Question 1

How do I write a free will?

Accepted Answer

Choose the option that works for you:

1. Write your free will online

Step-by-step guidance
Checked by legal experts
On-hand support if you need it

Visit Octopus Legacy to get started

2. Write your free will over the phone

Call 020 4525 3605 to book an appointment.

3. Write your free will face-to-face

Call 020 4525 3605 to arrange a meeting visit by a trusted will writer or solicitor, at home or in branch.

This service is completely free for a standard will, which suits most people. If your situation is more complex, your legal adviser will let you know and explain any additional costs up front.

Have questions?

Call us on 01332 221651 or email giftsinwills@mha.org.uk

Question 2

How do I include MHA in my will?

Accepted Answer

It’s simple to leave a gift in your will to MHA, all you require is our head office address (Methodist Homes [MHA], Epworth House, Stuart Street, Derby, DE1 2EQ) and our registered charity number (1083995).

Your solicitor or advisor will be able to help with any further specific wordings or restrictions e.g. for a specific care home, retirement living or MHA Communities scheme.

For more information, please download our free wills guide.

Question 3

What are the different types of gifts I can leave in my will?

Accepted Answer

There are different gifts that you can leave in your will:

A percentage or share of your estate once all of the other gifts and payments have been made. This is known as a residuary gift.
A fixed sum of money. Due to inflation over time the value of these gifts can be reduced although this can be avoided with appropriate wording. This is known as a pecuniary gift.
A specific item such as a piece of jewellery, furniture, land or buildings. This is known as a specific gift.

Your solicitor or advisor will be able to assist you in the wording that you include in your will. This could also include for specific areas of our work.

Question 4

Can I update my will to include MHA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can make minor additions to your will and it is worth speaking to a qualified professional to discuss how to do this.

Question 5

How much does it cost to write a will?

Accepted Answer

The cost of writing a will varies greatly depending on who you go with and how complicated it is. It is worth asking for a quote before starting to write your will. For simple wills you can use our free will writing service.

Question 6

I don’t have a solicitor, how do I find one?

Accepted Answer

MHA cannot recommend a specific solicitor. If you do not currently have a preferred solicitor you can find one who specialises in wills and probate in your area on The Law Society website.

Question 7

What do I need to prepare before writing my will?

Accepted Answer

Before seeing your solicitor or preparing to write your will you should:

Write down a list of everything you own, and any debts you might have. This will help you work out the value of your 'estate' so you know what you can afford to leave
Decide on what gifts you want to leave, and to whom
Choose your executor that you trust to carry out your wishes. This can be a friend, a family member or a professional such as a solicitor or accountant
Create a letter of wishes to help those who may make your funeral arrangements.

Question 8

Will my gift to MHA be taxed?

Accepted Answer

No. MHA is a registered charity and is exempt from liability to Inheritance Tax, The value of your gift will be deducted from your estate before Inheritance Tax is applied. Please note though, Inheritance Tax rules can change so it’s always best to discuss your will and the type of gift you might like to leave with your solicitor.

Any assets held within the estate and sold on our behalf would also be free from Capital Gains Tax.

Question 9

How much does a gift in my will to MHA need to be?

Accepted Answer

Every gift makes a real difference. Whether your contribution is large or small, we are honoured and extremely thankful that you’ve decided to support us in your will.

Question 10

How can MHA help executors?

Accepted Answer

We appreciate that being an Executor on behalf of a loved one can be complicated, especially as this is such a difficult time.

The information below should help you make sure that we receive any gift intended for us. If you are unclear on anything please contact the Legacy team by calling 01332 221651 or emailing giftsinwills@mha.org.uk.

Paying in a legacy gift to MHA

Firstly, please email the Legacy team on giftsinwills@mha.org.uk informing us of the following details:

The full name of the deceased
Their last known address and any other recent addresses
The date of their will
The date of their death
A copy of the will
The Executor’s name and contact details
Any information about the reason for the legacy

When we have been left a share in the estate we also need to request a list of the assets and liabilities, as at the date of death (and their values) as there may be tax implications that need to be considered.

You can make a payment by bank transfer to the following account:

Account name: Methodist Homes
Account number: 10053139
Sort code: 20 05 85
Bank address: Barclays Bank Plc, Midlands 1, 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP

It’s important to use the reference ‘Legacies – [surname of deceased]’ to assist our team when identifying that this payment has been made.

For cheques please send them with all accompanying paperwork to Legacy Administration, MHA, Epworth House, Stuart Street, Derby, DE1 2EQ.

Question 11

How can I get more information about leaving a gift in my will to MHA?

Accepted Answer

If you'd like to find out more, contact our legacy team by calling 01332 221651 or emailing giftsinwills@mha.org.uk

Leave a gift in your will

How can I include a gift in my will?

Free will writing service

The impact of your gift

Social groups & activities

Life-enhancing services

Spiritual care

Dementia care

Free Will Writing Service

Make your will for free with MHA and Octopus Legacy

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)