Every Gift in Will, no matter how big or small, can create a legacy of building an Earth centred society.
A Will is a legally binding document that lets you say what you want to happen to your property after you are gone.
Everyone over the age of 18 should have a valid Will. If you do not have a Will, you could lose the opportunity to give the people you care about the things you most value.
When creating or updating your Will, provide for your family and friends first and then reflect on whether you can also include a gift to the Australian Earth Laws Alliance.
Step 1: Speak to your family and loved ones
This is a personal decision for you to make, but we recommend letting your loved ones know that you're planning to leave a gift to the Australian Earth Laws Alliance.
Step 2: Decide what kind of gift to leave
There are three main ways to make a Gift in Will to the Australian Earth Laws Alliance.
- A residual bequest
You can make a gift of the residue (or remainder), or a percentage of the residue, of your estate once specific gifts and expenses have been taken care of. - A specified amount
You can make a specific bequest by simply stating the dollar amount in your Will that you wish to leave to the Australian Earth Laws Alliance. - An asset
You may wish to make a gift of a specific asset, for example: real estate, shares or bonds.
Step 3: Choose your executor
You should select between one and four people who will be able and willing to ensure your wishes within your Will are carried out. You can choose your bank, solicitor, friends or relatives. In the absence of a suitable executor, the Australian Earth Laws Alliance cannot act as an executor for your estate and we would recommend you get in touch with your local Public Trustee who will be able to help.
Step 4: Get the help of a professional
Your Will is an important legal document and a solicitor or public trustee can help you ensure that your paperwork is in order, worded correctly and presented in the right way. In order to make this as easy as possible we have included suggested wording on this page, which you can take to your solicitor for guidance. The cost of seeing a solicitor varies depending on who you see, however it is a small price to pay for the reassurance that your wishes will be carried out.
Step 5: Make your Will
Your Will must be in writing (handwritten, printed or typed) and include specific wording. It must be signed and dated on every page. Your signature must be witnessed by two people who are not named as beneficiaries of your estate. They both need to sign their own name on every page of your Will. Your solicitor will be able to assist you.
Step 6: Suggested wording
On behalf of the amazing Earth community across the continent of Australia, we thank you for considering leaving a bequest in your Will. Below is the suggested wording for your Will. It is not compulsory to use this exact wording, however it will minimise any misunderstandings and ensure your wishes are carried out.
I bequeath to the Australian Earth Laws Alliance Ltd (ABN: 54 156 139 221) for the purpose of increasing the understanding and practical implementation of Earth centred governance, and helping Australian communities transition to an Earth centred society, [a specified sum], or [specified items], or [the residue of my estate] free of all duties and the receipt of the Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being shall be a complete and sufficient discharge for the executor(s).”
Personal requirements
Make note of your funeral arrangements, whether you would like to be buried or cremated and any other specific requests. If you would prefer donations to your favourite charities rather than floral tributes at your own funeral, it is a good idea to state the preference in your Will so your executor can ensure your wishes are carried out.
Step 7: Keep your Will in a safe place
Store your Will in a safe place and let your executor know where it's stored. You can lodge it with a bank in a 'Safe Custody' envelope or with a solicitor or trustee company. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself. You may want to send a copy to major beneficiaries, family members and your executor.
Step 8: Tell the people who care
Share the news of your decision with close family and friends, as well as the location of where your Will is kept. Wherever you choose to store your Will, it’s vital to tell those people who matter most to you where to find it.
More information?
Please contact AELA if you have any questions, or you would like to advise us that you have included AELA in your Will: aela@earthlaws.org.au
