The Importance of Having a Will

What better way to help World Society for the Protection of Animals carry on the work you have supported during your lifetime than by making a bequest to WSPA. Whether it is our disaster relief work, wildlife protection, the care and welfare of companion animals around the world, or WSPA's humane education program that most inspired you, your bequest will truly help shape the future of efforts to reach out across the globe to help wherever animals are in need.

A bequest to WSPA is your living legacy to protecting animals throughout the world for generations to come.

Is it true that most people don't have wills?
Yes! Only about 40% of people actually have wills.

Is it really necessary to have a will?
It is important for everyone, regardless of the size of his or her estate, to have a will. Through your will, you have the power to determine how your estate will be distributed and provide properly for your family and others you love. The term estate applies not just to real estate but cash, all property, investments, retirement plans, life insurance, and other forms of assets.

What happens if I don't have a will?
If you don't have a will, the state you live in will determine the distribution of your property according to its laws of intestacy. You will have no control over how your assets are distributed.

How do I go about making a will?

• First, select an experienced estate-planning attorney to write your will to best carry out your wishes to provide properly for your family and others you love.
  
• Second, make an inventory of all your assets; in effect, everything you own.
  
• Third, decide who you wish to receive your assets. Consider family needs and obligations.
  
• Please don't forget WSPA and consider how a bequest could benefit animals while creating a lasting legacy for you.

Are there tax benefits to making a will?
A will can help you take advantage of estate tax-saving arrangements. In addition, bequests to WSPA and other charities usually provide a charitable estate tax deduction.

I already have a will. Do I need to do anything?
It is always a good idea to review your will periodically. If your situation has changed (e.g., you moved to another state; married, divorced, or lost a spouse; became a parent; acquired more assets, etc.), you should consider having your will reviewed to make sure it still works as you intend.

If you have already made a will but wish to include a bequest to WSPA, it is a simple matter to add a codicil to your existing will. Your attorney can advise you on how to make a codicil.

How do I make a bequest to WSPA?
There are several ways to make a bequest to WSPA. Here are several examples:

• Specific bequest - You can make an outright gift to WSPA stated as a specific dollar amount or a specific asset -- securities, real estate or tangible personal property.
  
• Residuary bequest - Through this form of bequest, WSPA receives all or a percentage of the remainder of your estate after all other provisions of your will have been fulfilled and all estate-related expenses paid.
  
• Contingent bequest - You can name WSPA to receive a bequest but only in the event of the death of other named beneficiaries. By naming WSPA as a contingent beneficiary, you can guarantee that your loved ones are cared for first while and that your charitable wishes are honored if there are sufficient assets to do so.

Should I leave conditions on the bequest?
It is generally best to make the bequest as general as possible to ensure that WSPA will be able to use your bequest where it is most needed at that time. If you have a more specific purpose in mind, please contact us before finalizing the bequest at 1-800-883-9772.  You can also e-mail us at wspa@wspausa.org.

Does WSPA want to know about my will?
There is certainly no requirement to notify us, but we would like to know - especially so we can thank you during your lifetime.

What language should I use to include WSPA in my will?
WSPA's legal name is World Society for the Protection of Animals. Our tax identification number is 04-2718182.

For gifts that will take effect after your lifetime, suggested wording of your bequest could be as follows:

"I give to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, a charitable corporation organized under the laws of Washington, DC, whose current legal address is Lincoln Plaza, 89 South St. Ste. 201, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111 [the sum of $ ___________ or ____% (or all) of my residuary estate or a specific asset] to be used for its general charitable purposes."

WSPA does not seek to replace the advice of your own tax counsel. Please consult your own advisors before making a will.

How can I get more information?
For more information, please request a brochure, or contact:

Lifetime Giving Department
World Society for the Protection of Animals
Lincoln Plaza
89 South Street, Ste. 201
Boston, MA 02111

E-mail: wspa@wspausa.org
Phone: 800-883-9772
Fax: 617-737-4404