None of us like to think about it but making a Will is the way to ensure what will happen to your property and assets after your death. A Will can also protect your family and loved ones as, without one, it could cause them a lot more worry during their time of grief.

Cyprus wouldn’t be the island it is without the hard work of donkeys as they have for centuries. Many donkeys continue to work in villages, an increasing number now work as part of the tourist industry and are also becoming increasingly popular as pets. As more donkeys come into the sanctuary due to a variety of reasons including old age, ailments or owners unable to care for them, and others need our help, we can only continue to provide the care and support needed through the generosity of our supporters. Leaving a legacy or bequest to Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) is a wonderful way of helping us to continue our work on the island.

How to leave a legacy

If you wish to leave a legacy to Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus), we strongly advise that you consult a solicitor, particularly as there are differences between wills made by British Nationals and Cypriot Nationals.

It is helpful if bequests are made for the general charitable purposes of the charity as this means your gift can be spent where it is most needed at the time it is received.

There are differences between the way Cypriot Nationals and British Nationals living in Cyprus can leave a legacy.

can donate any amount they choose to whoever they wish as long as a Will has been made to this effect.

Cypriot Nationals

There are certain rules in establishing what the disposable portion of a person’s estate is. The most common situations are the following:

• A person who has a wife and children or descendants can only donate one-quarter of his total estate.
• A person who has a wife or parents but no children or descendants can donate one-half of his estate.
• A person who has neither a wife nor children nor descendants nor a mother nor a father can donate the whole of his estate.

It cannot be emphasised enough that full advice can only be given on a case by case basis and therefore advice should be sought from a solicitor.

Terms used in wills regarding leaving estate

In Cyprus there is no official terminology but in day to day practice the terms below are commonly used when drafting wills in English.

• Pecuniary legacy - a specific amount of money.
• Specific legacy - a particular item i.e. painting or jewellery.
• Residuary legacy - a percentage or fraction of the estate.

Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax has now been completely abolished in Cyprus. In the UK, legacies left to registered charities are exempt for Inheritance Tax.

Information required by solicitor:

• Charity name
• Charity address
• Charity registration number

If you choose to remember us in your Will, it is wise to write a letter to your family and relatives explaining why you have left a legacy to Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus). A copy should be kept with your Will.

Frequently asked questions

I have already made a Will so how do I change it?

If you would like to leave a gift to Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus), your solicitor may suggest an appropriate revision of your Will, something which is in most cases a very simple matter. You can alternatively ask your solicitor to add a Codicil to your existing Will. this needs to be signed and witnessed in the same way as the Will itself and must be kept with your Will. Many solicitors in Cyprus will advise the former option.

Can I draw up a Will myself?

It is possible to write your own Will but even the simplest of Wills must comply with legal formalities and if you are not familiar with legal terminology, just one mistake could invalidate the whole document. It is worth the expense to have peace of mind knowing that your wishes cannot be misinterpreted.

How can I save Costs?

Prepare a list of who you want to include in your Will and what they will receive together with their names and addresses. Also, details of insurances, shares etc and where they are stored. This information will save your solicitor time and save you money.