Legacy Giving

1. Make a Will. When people start adding up the value of their home, life insurance, retirement accounts, and other property, they begin to see that even with a modest middle-class estate, a plan is needed that provides for their families and the charities they love.

2. Reduce (or eliminate) unnecessary taxes and court costs. A Will can help you reduce probate hassles and costs, avoid certain taxes, and decrease other administrative expenses – freeing up more resources to your heirs and charitable work.

3. Decide who will manage your estate after you die. Without a Will, a court decides how to distribute your estate. On the other hand, when you name your own representative in your Will, you decide who will distribute the money and things entrusted to you.

4. Decide who will take care of your kids. If you have minor children, a Will allows you to name the guardian of your children and a Trustee of the assets to provide for the children. If a court is left to make these decisions for you, your spiritual values may be disregarded.

5. Include “ministry” in your family. Your Will can be powerful a testimony to family and friends. Including your extended “family” in your Will – namely your church and favorite charities – is a wonderful way to express your values for generations to come.

If you do not have a Will, the State actually has one for you. Unfortunately, that means state law would determine (without your input):

• Who will be the next steward of the resources entrusted to you
• Who will care for your young children
• Who will administer your estate

With a Will, you get to decide these things. In addition to making sure your immediate family is provided for in your Will, you can also bless your extended “family” – including your church and favorite charitable organizations.

No. There is no legal requirement that a Will be drawn up by a lawyer. Most people can use quality, fill-in-the-blank legal documents to take care of basic concerns such as leaving their property to loved ones and naming a guardian for young children. However, there are a number of situations where it would be highly recommended to work with a lawyer instead of an Online Will:

• If you have significant assets.
• If you have a special needs, disabled, or dependent adult child.
• If you’ve been divorced or re-married.
• If you think one of your heirs might contest your Will.
• If you own a small business.
• If you are concerned about guardianship issues for minor children.
• If you’re raising grandchildren or stepchildren.
• If you or your spouse are citizens of another country.
• If you have questions about your Will or the Online form doesn’t address your situation.

These 10 life events may signal it’s time for an up-to-date Will:

1. Marriage or Divorce

2. New baby, adopted children, or stepchildren

3. Moving to another state

4. Changing your mind about heirs

5. Major changes in property ownership or financial assets

6. Changes in estate planning and estate tax law.

7. Death or disability of someone named in your Will

8. Children have reached the age of 18

9. You would like to provide for a ministry organization

10. It has been three years or more since you have reviewed your Will.

Leaving a gift in your Will to a ministry or charity that you love is a great expression of your personal values, and it may be simpler than you think.

If you would like to do this, consider including this language in your Will or Revocable Living Trust to support the overall mission of the charitable organizations dear to your heart:

“I give _______ (% or dollar amount) of my estate to (Charity Name of City/State) for its general use.”

Legal Name: San Diego Rescue Mission

Federal Tax ID Number: 95-1874073