FAQs

• Members of the public aged 18 and over contact one of the firms of solicitors taking part in a Free Wills Month campaign during the designated month to request an appointment.
• The solicitor will help to draw up a will that accurately reflects the wishes of the individual or couple. Those taking up the offer are under no obligation to leave a gift to the Cancer Society Wellington; however, we hope that many will see this as a chance to support our cause.
• Appointments are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Once all available appointments are booked the campaign will close, this may be before the end of the campaigning month.

When someone dies without a will, which is also called dying “intestate”, the Court will appoint an administrator who will administer the intestate estate in accordance with the Administration Act 1969 (the Act) instead of an executor who administers the estate in accordance with a will.

• If you want to control how your property is distributed when you die, you need to make a will. 
• By having a will, you get to choose what happens after you have passed away and the process of carrying out those wishes is much simpler for those left behind.

There are two options for changing your Will:

• Making a supplementary will known as a codicil to the will
• Making a brand new will

A codicil allows for minor alterations to be made to a will.  If you have more than one or two minor changes, it’s generally recommended that you write a new will.

Every gift we receive is essential. Each one means we’ll be able to keep doing whatever it takes to support people who need us in the future.

No, it’s a common myth that you must leave a large amount of money to charity in your will.  In fact, even a small gift can make a huge difference to the causes you care about.

No, family and friends always come first.  But, if after taking care of your loved ones, you have even a small amount left, a gift to charity in your will could make all the difference to the causes that you care about.

No, gifts left to charity in your will are tax-free

Yes, you can leave gifts to more than one charity.

Yes, but it is best to discuss this with the charity first.  It’s not always possible for a charity to use a gift in the way you want, which could mean that they might not be able to accept the gift.

No. The only documentation that is sent on to us is the confidential declaration form which asks questions such as where people heard of the campaign, their age and whether they have left a gift to the CSW