Making or updating your will

Your guide to making a will

Animals Asia is a small charity with limited resources, and unfortunately, we do not offer a will writing service. But please don't let that put you off leaving us a gift in your will. Really, it's much simpler than you'd think! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Use the 'Your Will Planner' form to help calculate the approximate value of your estate. Remember to account for any investments or debts.

2. Choose who you would like to remember in your will, both family and charity. Some people give gifts to their loved ones, then leave the remainder (or 'residuary gift') to Animals Asia and some leave a set cash sum (a 'pecuniary gift').

3. Have a think about who you trust to be the executors of your estate – the people who'll make sure that your wishes are honoured, and will be named in your will.

4. Make an appointment with your solicitor about writing your will.

5. Once your solicitor has finalised your will, keep the original in a safe place and have copies made. Make sure you tell a close friend or family member where your will can be found.

6. Please do let us know if you've decided to leave Animals Asia a gift. We'd love to say thank you personally on behalf of our bears and Asia's animals.

Remember a Charity Website

We are part of Remember A Charity, a consortium of over 200 charities all working together to raise awareness of the importance of having a Will and encouraging more people to consider leaving a gift in their Will to charity. You can visit the Remember a Charity website to find local solicitors, who will be able to advise you on leaving gifts to charities when making a Will.

Already have a will?

If you've already written a will but would like to amend it to include Animals Asia, just ask your solicitor for help. All the details they need are included in this booklet, but if you need more information, do feel free to contact us. We're here to help in any way we can, but we cannot offer legal advice.

If you’ve decided to leave us a gift in your will, we’d love to thank you personally for your incredible dedication to the cause! Please tell us about your gift by emailing us at, [email protected].