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Wills & bequests
Leave a gift that lasts
A bequest to Lifeline Mid Coast is a deeply personal decision. You don't need to be wealthy to make a difference: gifts of every size help us answer calls, support our volunteers, and keep the lines open for those who need it most.
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000). For 24/7 crisis support, call 13 11 14.
What is a bequest?
A bequest is a gift you leave to an organisation through your will. It costs nothing during your lifetime and takes effect only after your estate has provided for the people you love most.
Bequests are one of the most significant ways individuals support Lifeline Mid Coast. They help us plan for the future, invest in our volunteers and services, and make sure we can keep responding to the needs of our community for years to come.
Lifeline Mid Coast has supported people through crisis since 1988. Last year alone we connected with more than 26,000 callers, people who needed to know they weren’t alone.
Types of bequests
There are several ways you can leave a gift to Lifeline Mid Coast. Your solicitor can advise which type best suits your circumstances.
- Residuary: a gift of all or a percentage of what remains in your estate after other gifts, debts and expenses have been paid. Often the most impactful type of bequest.
- Pecuniary: a gift of a specific sum of money, for example “$5,000 to Lifeline Mid Coast”.
- Specific asset: a gift of a particular item, such as real estate, shares or personal property.
- Reversionary: a gift that passes to Lifeline Mid Coast only if a named beneficiary does not survive you.
How to include us in your will
Including us in your will is straightforward. Your solicitor will guide you through it. Here is how it typically works.
- Decide what type of bequest you would like to make.
- Speak with your solicitor about your intentions, and share the suggested wording below as a guide.
- Have your solicitor draft or update your will, or prepare a codicil if you already have one.
- Once your will is finalised, please let us know. We would love to thank you personally.
The legal details your solicitor needs are at the top of this page: our full registered name is UCA Lifeline Mid Coast, ABN 25 524 080 705, of 5 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Suggested wording for your solicitor
The following wording is provided as a guide only. Please ask your solicitor to confirm the appropriate wording for your individual circumstances. Anyone contemplating leaving a gift to Lifeline Mid Coast should consult their solicitor before finalising their will.
Residuary bequestA share or percentage of your estate, after other gifts and expenses have been paid.
“I give [all of / __% of] the residue of my estate to UCA Lifeline Mid Coast (ABN 25 524 080 705) of 5 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, to be used for its general purposes. If this gift fails for any reason, or if the organisation has ceased to exist at the time of my death, the gift shall [lapse / pass to ____________].”
Pecuniary bequestA fixed sum of money.
“I give the sum of $[AMOUNT] (Australian dollars) to UCA Lifeline Mid Coast (ABN 25 524 080 705) of 5 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, free of all duties and taxes, to be used for its general purposes.”
Codicil, amending an existing willA brief legal addition that amends your existing will, without rewriting the whole document.
I, [full name] of [address], declare this to be a codicil to my last will dated [date of original will]. I add the following clause to my will: "I give [description of gift] to UCA Lifeline Mid Coast (ABN 25 524 080 705) of 5 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, to be used for its general purposes." In all other respects I confirm my said will. Signed: ________________________________ Date: ____________________ Witness 1: ________________________________ Witness 2: ________________________________
Seeking legal advice
We strongly encourage you to seek independent legal advice before finalising any bequest. A solicitor will make sure your will accurately reflects your wishes and meets all legal requirements in New South Wales.
If you don’t currently have a solicitor, we may be able to connect you with a member of our Friends of Lifeline Mid Coast panel, a group of local legal practitioners who have generously offered to assist supporters of Lifeline Mid Coast with their estate planning.
To ask about the legal referral panel, call (02) 6581 2800 or email business@lifelinemidcoast.org.au.
Please let us know
If you have already included Lifeline Mid Coast in your will, or are planning to do so, we would love to hear from you. There is no obligation to tell us, but knowing means we can thank you personally and, with your permission, share your story of hope to inspire others.
Your intention to leave a bequest will be held in the strictest confidence. Email business@lifelinemidcoast.org.au or call (02) 6581 2800.
Not sure where to begin?
Leaving a gift in your will is a big decision, and there's no rush. We're happy to talk it through, with no obligation either way.
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