Everyone over the age of 18 should have a current legal Will. However, just on 50% of people die without a Will and this causes difficulties for those who have to deal with the Estate settlement whilst grieving.

Having a current, up to date Will protects your assets and ensures they pass to the beneficiaries of your estate after death in a timely and cost effective manner. A Will should be written whenever there is a change in your circumstances. If you are preparing to marry, the Will must state that it has been written in contemplation of this marriage. A divorce, in most jurisdictions, will revoke any gift in your Will to your former spouse.

A "Valid" Will or "legal" Will is one that will be accepted by the court as authentic and can be put into effect by a Grant of Probate.

When preparing your Will:

• Discuss your plans and concerns with your solicitor or trustee company
• Think carefully about whom you appoint as your executor(s) and discuss this with them before drafting your Will
• List your assets and approximate value for each plus any major debts or liabilities (mortgage, loans etc)
• List any specific personal gifts or cash bequests you wish to make
• Make adequate provision for your family members and those dependent on you
• List the full names and addresses of people and organizations whom you wish to benefit from your estate
• Determine what type of bequest you wish to leave each beneficiary
• Advise your executor of the location of the original Will and give them a copy.

If you have already included Catholic Mission in your Will, please tell us
as we would like to acknowledge, discreetly, all bequests, large and small,
as a most generous gift to Catholic Mission. Maybe you would like to join:

Would you like a copy of our brochure or find out more information about making a bequest to Catholic Mission?

See examples of how to word a Bequest in your Will

St Therese of Lisieux, Patron of the Missions
Therese of Lisieux is one of the patron saints of the missions,not because she ventured out into the world, she was a Carmelite novice, but because of her special love of the missions,and the prayers and letters she gave in support of missionaries.This is a reminder to all of us who feel we can do nothing, that it is the little things that keep God's kingdom growing.

Members of the Fellowship of Saint Therese of Lisieux are very special people.They have shown through their pledging of a bequest to the work of Catholic Mission that they share with us our Vision of Life for All - the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ through deeds and word. As a member of the Fellowship of St Therese of Lisieux, you will be invited to an annual Mass exclusively for members, you will receive a signed certificate authenticating your membership, your name will be recorded in our Book of Fellowship, and you will receive our prayers. And more importantly, you have the comfort of knowing that you are actively furthering Saint Therese's mission of prayer and love. Mass for benefactors is celebrated daily in Lyons, France and in Rome.

Members have no responsibilities other than pledging a bequest to Catholic Mission.