Why you won't be persuaded to leave a legacy

7th September 2026

Why you won’t be persuaded to leave a legacy in your will

If you want to leave money to a charity in your will that’s great, I am sure they will be very grateful. There may be tax benefits but probably you believe in what the charity does and you want to want to support them. Perhaps the charity helped you or a loved one and you will feel really good knowing you can make a difference.

But can I persuade to leave a gift if you don’t want to?

I doubt it. As well as law I do a little marketing at Corbett Le Quesne and I tell people about the great work we do but I am not likely to persuade you to see a lawyer unless you already want (or need) to. So how likely is it that I can persuade you to leave money to a charity? Well firstly I wouldn’t because that would be a breach of ethics but trying to persuade you to give your money to a cause when you don’t want to would also be very hard. And I am absolutely not going to do it.

But charities need money to achieve their goals. They are like very kind businesses. Charities want to connect with people who need their help, but they also need to connect with people who want to help them.

Maybe there is a middle ground.

When taking instructions before drafting a will it is always something we advise people they can do. We always ask “are there any charitable donations you want to make in your will?”. We aren’t going to pressure you; we are going to let you know it’s an option.

And lots of people take that option. A small donation, a life changing sum; it depends on the client’s resources and circumstances. A few can afford transformative legacies, but many people leaving small amounts makes a big difference too.

So why do people leave legacies?

1. They want to share their values even after death. They want to fight climate change, or support life-saving research or maybe they just love dogs. They want to be remembered. They want to help. They want to be part of something that outlives them.
2. They want to honour someone helped by that charity. Having a deep personal connection in this way is a legacy in itself.
3. Generosity of spirit. There are really kind, loving people out there who have the means to give back. They have had a good life and whether religious or not they have a sense of right and wrong, of purpose, of gratitude and they want to share.
4. In the UK legacy gifts to registered charities are exempt from inheritance tax to deliberately encourage giving in this way.
5. Ultimately, people are far more likely to give to a charity where they have seen the value of the work they do.

If you don’t want to leave money to a charity in your will, then nothing I can say will persuade you. And if you do want to, then I won’t stop you. Your values, life experience, finances and personality are what matter here. What I can do is remind you that leaving money to a charity in Jersey is an option worth considering, and charities really appreciate it.

For more information or for your free 30 minute consultation contact us on 733030, email privateclientteam@corbettlequesne.com or visit our website www.corbettlequesne.com.