This article by the Wills, Trust and Probate solicitors at Scott Bailey LLP about the different types of gifts you can leave in your will, is also helpful background to Make a Will Month this September.

First and foremost of course, writing a will is about peace of mind. Knowing your wishes are written down and legally valid helps to prevent confusion or disputes down the line. It also ensures that your generosity reaches the right people or organisations in the way you intended.

Making a will is also though an opportunity to make a lasting gesture, whether that's to family and friends, or to causes that have supported us during our lifetimes.

Read on...

How to leave meaningful gifts in your will

In this article, the Wills, Trust and Probate solicitors at Scott Bailey LLP have explained the different types of gifts you can leave in your will, including:

• Specific gifts: individual items or possessions like jewellery or heirlooms
• Pecuniary gifts: fixed amounts of money
• Residuary gifts: a percentage of the remainder of your estate
• Charitable legacies: gifts to registered charities

Whether it’s a treasured painting, a sum of money, or a final thank you to a charity close to your heart, the gifts you leave in your will can say a lot about the things (and people!) that mattered most to you.

Many of us think of a will as a way to make sure loved ones are looked after. But it’s also an opportunity to make a lasting gesture, whether that's to family and friends, or to causes that have supported us during our lifetimes.

You might choose to leave a specific item to someone who’s always admired it, or a fixed amount of money to a special family member or friend. These are called specific or pecuniary gifts. You can also leave a residuary gift - a percentage of what’s left in your estate once everything else has been dealt with.

One common and thoughtful form of gift giving is a charitable legacy. It’s a meaningful way to show appreciation for the care you or your loved ones have received, and to ensure that support continues for others in future. Even leaving a small percentage of your estate could make a huge difference to a local charity’s work. And, as a bonus, gifts to registered charities are exempt from inheritance tax.

Of course, writing a will isn’t only about gifts - it’s about peace of mind. Knowing your wishes are written down and legally valid helps to prevent confusion or disputes down the line. It also ensures that your generosity reaches the right people or organisations in the way you intended.

If you are considering leaving a gift

If you are in the process of putting together your will and considering including a gift or legacy, carefully consider the following points:

• Who or what would you like to support in your will?
• Can your estate support your intended gifts without affecting your key beneficiaries?
• Will your chosen gift still be relevant or owned at the time of executing your will?
• Who do you trust to be the executor of your will and ensure your wishes are carried out?

Watch out for common mistakes

Some of the most common mistakes to avoid when considering gift giving in your will include:

• Not updating your will after selling a gifted item
• Assuming verbal wishes will be honoured
• Naming the wrong entity (e.g. a local branch vs the national charity)
• Failing to plan for what happens should a beneficiary pass away first

How much does a will cost?

Scott Bailey solicitors currently charge the following amounts:

Standard single will: £540

Single will update: £354

Standard mirror wills: £780

Mirror wills update: £474

All prices shown above are inclusive of VAT.

Including a legacy in your will

However you decide to leave your legacy, it’s essential to seek the help of an experienced wills, trust and probate solicitor. At Scott Bailey, our trusted and approachable team can help you prepare a will that is meaningful, tax-efficient, and most importantly, legally sound.

If you're considering leaving a gift in your will or simply want peace of mind that your wishes are clearly documented, get in touch with the Scott Bailey team today:

Phone: 01590 676933

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Book an appointment: Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT

September 2025

Contact Scott Bailey for a confidential initial meeting

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Website- scottbailey.co.uk

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About Scott Bailey LLP

Founded in 1930, Scott Bailey has grown to become a leading firm in the New Forest, providing a full range of legal services to private individuals and businesses. Services for individuals include Residential Conveyancing, Divorce, Family, Wills Trusts & Probate, Litigation & Disputes.

SME business legal services include Corporate, Commercial, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution, Landlord & Tenant, Insolvency and Employment Law. Scott Bailey LLP is one of only a very few firms based in the New Forest providing these specialist services. 

The first firm in the region to receive the Law Society's prestigious LEXCEL award for high standards of practice management and customer care, Scott Bailey LLP promises top-quality, professional help from a team of expert solicitors who will put your best interests at the heart of their work.

Scott Bailey was delighted and proud to win "Business of the Year" at the 2023 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.