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Updating Your Will

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will may not cover every change that occurred since it was first drafted. Here are some reasons it may be time for an update, as well as some ways that you can include WWF in your estate plan, ensuring that your legacy is one of protecting the Earth for future generations.

Account for What Is Different
Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following have occurred since you last updated your will.

1.Family changes. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, or adoption may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor or personal representative of your estate.

2.Relocating to a new state. Laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect estate plans and how property in that new state will be taxed or distributed.

3.Changes in your estate’s value. When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like to divide your estate.

4.Tax law changes. Federal and state tax laws are constantly changing. Being aware of those changes may help you take advantage of strategies that will minimize taxes.

5.Support a favorite cause. If you have developed a connection to an organization, such as WWF, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to World Wildlife Fund in your will.

Use Your Will to Give Back

Do you want to help support WWF after your lifetime? If so, there are many ways you can do this in your will. Here are some suggestions.

6.Give WWF a share of what’s left in your estate after other obligations are met.

7.Give WWF a specific amount of cash or securities.

8.Leave certain personal or real property to World Wildlife Fund.

9.Make a contingent bequest. That is, you give part of your estate to an individual if that person survives you; if not, then the estate assets go to World Wildlife Fund.

10.Create a charitable remainder trust to pay an income to your spouse or other loved one(s) for life, and designate the remaining principal for WWF.

11.Create a charitable lead trust to pay income to WWF for a number of years, or for another person’s lifetime, with the trust assets eventually being distributed to your family.

Updating Your Will

Next Steps

To make sure your will accomplishes all you intend, seek the help of an attorney who specializes in estate planning. If World Wildlife Fund fits into your plans, we can present some giving options that allow you to choose what best satisfies your wishes and our needs.

Office of Gift Planning
Phone: 888-993-9455
Email: legacygifts@worldwildlife.org
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

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Updating Your Will

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Someone from World Wildlife Fund will be in contact with you soon. If you need to speak to us immediately, please call us at 888-993-9455.