Below are some of the common types of bequests, and sample bequest language. We strongly recommend that you carefully review the terms of your will with an estate attorney.

General Bequests

General bequests are gifts left to specific people or causes that come from the general value of the estate, and are made by designating a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a fixed percentage of your estate to the cause of your choice.

Sample General Bequest Language

“I give, devise, and bequeath to Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society, Ardmore PA, the sum of $________(or a description of the specific asset, or percentage of estate value), for the benefit of Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society and its general purposes.”

Residuary Bequests

Residuary bequests are made when you intend to gift the leftover portion of your estate to a person or charity after all other terms of the will have been satisfied.

Residuary Bequest Language

“All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society, Ardmore PA, for its general purposes.”

Contingency Bequests

Contingency bequests allow you to leave a portion of your estate to a particular charity if your named beneficiary does not survive you.

Contingency Bequest Language

“I devise and bequeath the residue of the property, real and personal and wherever situated, owned by me at my death, to (name of beneficiary), if (she/he) survives me. If (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, I devise and bequeath my residuary estate to Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society Ardmore PA, for its general purposes.”