Wills, Executors, Beneficiary Charities

[barry1010]

Question from an elderly neighbour.
Her last relative has recently died so she is in the process of writing a new Will. The relative was the major beneficiary and executor.
She intends leaving everything - house, contents, investments, savings - to three charities with one getting more than the other two.
She has nobody to act as Executor so we have been discussing the possibility of the major beneficiary charity taking on the role rather than a very expensive solicitor.

Is this feasible? She will contact the charity to clarify next week but we would both be interested to know now. We think that a beneficiary would be more likely to complete the process in a timely, cost effective manner

[Hymie]

There are a number of UK charities advertising/offering to write Wills for free, no doubt expecting a bequest as a result.

I would imagine one of the three would be willing to act as executor, but if it was me, I would stipulate in my Will that there was some limit on the amount they could charge my estate (for administering the Will) – otherwise they could take a significant cut (as an expensive solicitor), denying what was planned for the other two charities.

[Hymie]

Further to my post above, if I were to ask one of the charities to act as executor, having to arrange the house sale, sort out the investment/savings, obtain probate etc – all this takes time, and a reasonable fee for acting as executor would certainly exceed £1,000.

[bobbinwales]

If the charities want a share of a big estate perhaps they should be prepared to make some effort to help....maybe just ask them and say you could ask another charity if not. But I agree with Hymie its a big job.... i regret agreeing to be one where I wasnt even a beneficiary, its a big hassle

[ubasses]

This may be of some use.
https://legacy-link.co.uk/charity-executor/

[barry1010]

I've done it before and it isn't pleasant. My neighbour is extremely private and really would not want one of her friends or neighbours to do it.
You've made good points, Hymie. All three charities are relatively small so it will be interesting to know what they have to say about it.

[barry1010]

Thank you for the link, Ubasses. So now we know there is no legal barrier to the charity undertaking the role my neighbour will be a stronger footing when she contacts them.

[Maydup]

If the charities are fairly small they are unlikely to have the skills or resources to manage everything that’s involved and may well appoint a third party to carry out the process.

Take the example of a group of people who rescue and care for animals. Many are volunteers and the paid staff are managing the day to day operations. They would probably find it a challenge however grateful they are fit the legacy.
Maybe reconsider and appoint a small firm of solicitors.

[barry1010]

Noted, thank you, Maydup

[Peter Pedant]

charities hardly ever sue each other for malpractice
( havin been an unwilling exec on one)

this should be OK.

can I tell you a secret - shhhhhh
Maisie Traisie looked after a house we ( as a charity ) were selling, and was left a bit, and SHE then submitted an unsolicited bill for £1000 for house sitting

I opposed this as breach of trust ( money disburse not for a charitable object) and was over ruled and refused to sign off - someone else did. 2010.

These things are taken seriously - oh \maisie Traisie thought charities were an easy prey I thought

Nothing to do with the interest of Hazza and Mazza and archewell and most loo-loo being sent at Montecito