1. Can Terrence Higgins Trust help me write my Will?  

Yes, we’re part of the National Free Will-writing Network, which means that as a supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust, you can write or update a simple Will, with no obligation to leave a gift. To start the process, request an information pack by visiting tht.org.uk/freewills or using the contact details at the back of this guide.  

2. I want to think about my family and friends first.

Absolutely. Your loved ones come first, and rightly so. But even a small percentage of your estate left to Terrence Higgins Trust can make a life-changing impact for people living with HIV. Leaving a gift to charity doesn’t mean leaving your loved ones out. In fact, it can reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax on your estate, potentially leaving more for your family and friends. You can also choose to leave a percentage of your estate rather than a fixed amount, so your gift adjusts in line with your estate’s value, ensuring your loved ones are still well looked after.   

3. Do I have to leave a gift to Terrence Higgins Trust to use your free Will-writing service? 

There is no obligation to leave a gift in your Will to Terrence Higgins Trust if you use our free Will-writing service. We pay a discounted fee to your chosen solicitor under the service to cover the cost of simple Wills, but we appreciate any gift left to us, which helps support people living with HIV. A basic commercial Will can cost +£700, so we hope by offering this service we can make writing or updating your Will easier and more affordable, while giving you the opportunity to support a cause you care about if you choose to. 

4. Can I use the free Will-writing service to write a mirror Will for my partner and me? 

Yes, you can. A mirror Will is an almost identical Will that reflects each other’s wishes. If using the free Will-writing service, simply request two packs for each of you, and let your chosen solicitor know that you’d like mirror Wills when you get started.

5. Do I need a solicitor to write my Will? 

Although you do not need a solicitor to write your Will, we strongly recommend using one, especially if your Will is complicated or you are setting up a Trust. If you do not already have a solicitor, you can find one through our free Will-writing service.  

6. When should I consider updating my Will?

You should review your Will every five years and after any major life change, for example:  

  • Getting separated or divorced 
  • Getting married (this cancels any Will and codicil made before) 
  • Having a child or new children in the family 
  • Moving house 
  • If the executor named in your Will dies. 

7. I’ve already written my Will, can I change it to leave a gift for Terrence Higgins Trust?  

Yes, you can add a gift using a codicil form. A codicil is a simple way of changing an existing Will by adding an instruction to it. You can add a gift to Terrence Higgins to your Will by using the codicil form in our Gift in Wills Guide.

Codicils are for simple changes to Wills. For anything more complex, or to leave a percentage of your estate, it is advisable to check with your solicitor.

Instructions on completing your codicil

  • Make it clear that this codicil relates to your most recent Will.
  • You will need two witnesses; both will have to be present when you sign and then each of them signs. Remember, your executor, your executor’s spouse, a beneficiary of your Will or their spouse cannot act as witnesses.
  • Once completed, your codicil needs to be kept together with your Will, but not attached to it, in a safe place. You and anyone else who holds a copy of your Will should also have a copy of the codicil.
  • If you want to make more substantial changes, you may want to update your Will with your solicitor or through our free Will-writing service.

8. Can I choose how Terrence Higgins Trust spends my gift? 

To help where the need is greatest, we ask for gifts to be unrestricted. However, if you would like your gift to be considered for a specific purpose, we will do our best to honour your wishes, but if this is not possible at the time, your gift will be used as closely as possible to your request.

9. Should I let Terrence Higgins Trust know about the gift in my Will?  

Yes, it is helpful to let us know so we can acknowledge your generosity and plan for the future. We can also ensure that you get your exclusive Gold Heart pin badge too. 

If you would like to let us know you’ve left us a gift and request a Gold Heart badge, you can do so by completing this form.

10. Does leaving a gift to charity reduce inheritance tax? 

By leaving a gift in your Will, you’ll help us work towards a future where everyone living with HIV can live well and free from stigma. Your gift is tax-free, so more of your estate goes to the causes you care about.  

If you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest may drop from 40% to 36%, helping your legacy make an even bigger impact. For tailored advice, we recommend speaking with a solicitor.