By leaving a gift in your will to Cambridge Women's Aid, you will help survivors of domestic abuse to be safe and rebuild their lives free from fear.

There are several ways you can leave a gift in your will:

• Residuary bequest - Leave a gift by donating all or a specific portion of the remainder of your estate once all other bequests have been made and debts have been cleared. For example: I give 10% of the residue of my estate to Cambridge Women's Aid (PO Box 302, Cambridge, CB1 1EA, Registered Charity Number 1137602) to be applied by Cambridge Women's Aid for its charitable purposes.
• Pecuniary bequest - Donating a fixed amount of money. For example: I give £5,000 to Cambridge Women's Aid (PO Box 302, Cambridge, CB1 1EA, Registered Charity Number 1137602) to be applied by Cambridge Women's Aid for its charitable purposes.
• Specific bequest: Donate a named item in your will. It is important to describe the item as accurately as possible to avoid any confusion. For example: I leave my diamond engagement ring to Cambridge Women's Aid (PO Box 302, Cambridge, CB1 1EA, Registered Charity Number 1137602). 
• Contingent bequest: Donate a gift dependent upon the occurrence of an event which may or may not happen, such as in the event of other named beneficiaries dying before you. For example: In the event that my beneficiary, John Smith, should die before me, I leave my home, 12 Apple Street, Blossomtown, AB12 3CD to Cambridge Women's Aid (PO Box 302, Cambridge, CB1 1EA, Registered Charity Number 1137602) to be applied by Cambridge Women's Aid for its charitable purposes.

What to consider when writing your will

It’s important for everyone to keep an up-to-date will so that their wishes are acted upon. Here are some points to remember when making your will:

• Work out your assets
  Making a list of your assets and liabilities will give you a good idea of the value of your estate.
• Consult a professional
  This will help to ensure that you follow all legal formalities and create a valid will. You can find a solicitor in your area through the Law Society at www.lawsociety.org.uk or by calling 020 7242 1222.
• Decide who will be included in your will
  Make a list of people, charities and organisations you would like to remember.
• Consider your executors
  These are the people named in your will who will carry out your wishes.
• Keep your will up-to-date
  Review your will whenever there are major changes in your personal, financial and family circumstances.
• Keep it safe
  Leave your original, signed will with your solicitor or legal adviser – this is the only legally binding version. Keep a copy yourself, and make sure your executors know where to find it.

If you would like to add a gift to Cambridge Women's Aid to an existing will, you can do so easily by using a codicil. A codicil is a supplement that allows additions or changes to be made to a will. Please consult a professional when making a codicil. You can find a solicitor in your area through the Law Society or by calling 020 7242 1222.

What should I do after including Cambridge Women's Aid in my will?

Notifying us of your gift will enable us to thank you and keep you updated on our work. Please email us at admin@cambridgewa.org.uk.

For information on making or updating a will please visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or www.direct.gov.uk.