Leaving Your Assets for God's Glory

The Will is the most basic part of every estate plan. By definition, it is a legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposal and distribution of his or her assets after death. The Will is the legal document, drafted during your lifetime, which addresses numerous issues:
 

• Final testimony of your Christian faith

• Property and asset distribution

• Naming an executor

• Naming a legal guardian for minors

• Reducing estate tax liability

In the absence of a Will, the state will resort to a formula. A judge will name an executor; bond may have to be posted; the court will name a guardian; and a formula will determine asset and property distribution.

Every state has different laws and regulations when it comes to the execution and validity of a Will and they are often strict. Be sure to retain competent legal counsel, familiar with the laws of your state of residence to draft your Will.

A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever prepare. As Christians, we are stewards of the assets God has entrusted to us, and Wills can play a major role in that stewardship.

Wills can be a simple and meaningful way of giving to God's work through World In Need International. A gift made through your Will provides a legacy, which directs your earthly treasure to produce heavenly treasure in terms of souls reached for Christ. Without a Will, state law dictates who receives your assets and who becomes guardian of your minor children. Your foresight now can result in many people entering into the joy of our Lord long after you have entered in yourself.

You can make an estate gift by having an attorney write a new or replacement Will, or by simply adding a paragraph (codicil) to your existing Will. A codicil can specify that a dollar amount, a percentage, the remainder of an estate, or a property be given to World in Need after your death. Adding a codicil gift to your existing Will is easy and inexpensive.

When creating a bequest to World In Need International in your Will, or in a codicil to your Will, it is important that your attorney have our EIN#: 59-3048894.

To give a fixed dollar amount, you may use wording such as:

I give and bequeath to World In Need International, Inc., 1420 Celebration Blvd, #200, Celebration, FL 34747, EIN# 59-3048894, the sum of _______________ dollars ($_____________).


To give a percentage of your estate after all bills and obligations have been paid:

I give and bequeath to World In Need International, Inc., 1420 Celebration Blvd, #200, Celebration, FL 34747, EIN# 59-3048894, ________ percent (______%) of my residuary estate.


To give the rest of your estate after all bills and other obligations and bequests have been paid:

I give and bequeath to World In Need International, Inc., 1420 Celebration Blvd, #200, Celebration, FL 34747, EIN# 59-3048894, all (or _____% of) the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.


To give property:

I give and bequeath to World In Need International, Inc., 1420 Celebration Blvd, #200, Celebration, FL 34747, EIN# 59-3048894, _________________________________________ from my estate.

Be sure to provide description and location of property, and location of title.


For a contingent bequest:

If any of the named beneficiaries should predecease me, or in the case of failure or lapse of any legacy, I hereby bequeath his/her share to World In Need International, Inc., 1420 Celebration Blvd, #200, Celebration, FL 34747.

An attorney can be a great help in the preparation of a will or other estate-planning 
document. State law controls probate, so it is advisable to consult an attorney who knows the laws of the state where you live or where your property is located.

If you have already remembered the ministry of World In Need International in your will, please let us know. We would like to thank you, and include you on a special list so that we will be sure to notify you to inform your attorney of any change of address we may have in the future.

If your estate is somewhat complicated due to business or real estate holdings or other reasons, World In Need has enlisted the services of John Laskey, a nationally recognized financial planner, to help you in your planning. As a friend of our ministry, this service is provided to you upon request without charge, and any information you provide will be held in strict confidence.


For more information:

Call World In Need International's Harvest Fund at 330-401-9404 if you have any questions or to start the process for your gift.

This information is designed to provide information and illustration of the subject matters covered. It is not intended, nor should it be used as legal, accounting or other professional advice. It is always a good idea to seek legal and tax advice from your professional advisor(s).