A gift in your will
A gift in your will to the Mental Health Foundation will help make a difference for the future. Naturally, it's important that you look after your family first, but even leaving a portion of what remains to the Mental Health Foundation can help us transform the future by improving mental health in all communities of New Zealand.
Have you made a will?
If you have not made a will, we strongly suggest that you do so, whether you decide to leave something to the Foundation or not. If you do not make a will, when you die the law will decide how your estate is to be disposed of. This may not be in accordance with your wishes. For a small fee, a solicitor will draw up a will for you.
Should you wish to leave money, or any other item, to the Mental Health Foundation, your solicitor will be happy to include your wishes. If you have already made a will, you can ask your solicitor to add a ‘codicil', or you can make a fresh will.
Why you should use a solicitor
It's important that professional advice is used to ensure there will be no dispute over your will, so that your estate is dealt with in the way you wish.
The following information is offered to help solicitors, trust officials and others engaged in advising people who may wish to name the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand as a beneficiary in wills or trusts.
Recommended wording for your will
A SPECIFIC BEQUEST
'I give and bequeath to THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF NEW ZEALAND whose office is at 81 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland, the sum of $____________ dollars for its general purposes, and I declare that the acknowledgement in writing by the Secretary or other authorised officer thereof shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees of this bequest.'
A RESIDUAL BEQUEST
'Subject as aforesaid I give, devise and bequeath the whole (or a _____________ share) of the residue of my estate whatsoever and wheresoever both real and personal to THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF NEW ZEALAND whose office is at 81 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland, the sum of $____________ dollars for its general purposes, and I declare that the acknowledgement in writing by the Secretary or other authorised officer thereof shall be a sufficient discharge to my Trustees of this bequest.'
Both the above provide for leaving a bequest for general purposes. If you wish to add any other conditions, you should ask your solicitor to draw up wording appropriate to your wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I leave to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand?
We will be grateful for any bequest. You may wish to leave a specific sum of money or some property, which we can convert to funds (a SPECIFIC legacy). Alternatively you may wish to leave a ‘residue', which is the amount left after you have made your other bequests.
Can I say what the money is to be used for?
Yes, you can make a qualification in your will that the money is to be used for a specific purpose. We will ensure that your wishes are fully complied with.
Can I make any conditions, eg, if the Foundation adopts policies I would have disagreed with?
Yes, you can appoint an executor to your will, and leave specific instructions about the conditions you wish to impose. These will be complied with.
Can I change my mind about my will?
Yes, even if you have made a will you can, at any time, make changes to it.
How does the Foundation get my money?
Unless you wish to, you are not obligated to inform the Mental Health Foundation of your intentions at any stage during your life. On your death, your executor will contact the Mental Health Foundation and the appropriate arrangements can be made.
Who can I talk to for more information?
Either consult your solicitor or contact anne "at" mentalhealth.org.nz who will discuss your possible legacy with complete confidentiality. Or phone us on (09) 300 7014.
What do I do now?
If you wish to leave a bequest, simply consult your solicitor, either to amend your existing will or to draw up a new one.
