Charitable Giving & Philanthropy
Specialized legal services for charitable giving, philanthropy, and charitable trust management.
Charitable Giving & Philanthropy
We help individuals, families, and businesses structure charitable giving in the most tax-efficient way while supporting their philanthropic goals. Our team provides comprehensive advice on charitable trusts, foundations, and giving strategies.
Key Services
- Charitable trust creation and management
- Tax-efficient giving strategies
- Charitable foundation establishment
- Gift aid and tax relief optimization
- Charitable will provisions
- International charitable giving
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Experienced private client lawyers
- Sensitive and personal service
- Tax-efficient planning strategies
- Comprehensive estate administration
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Strategic Charitable Giving
Giving Structures
We help choose between various giving structures including direct donations, charitable trusts, foundations, and donor-advised funds based on your goals and circumstances.
Tax Optimization
We help maximize tax relief through gift aid, payroll giving, and other tax-efficient giving methods while ensuring compliance with charity regulations.
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Help Guides
Preparing for Will Writing
Essential steps to take before meeting with a solicitor to write or update your will.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Make a list of all your assets including property, investments, and personal belongings
- 2Consider who you want to benefit from your estate and in what proportions
- 3Think about who you would like to appoint as executors of your will
- 4Consider guardianship arrangements for any minor children
- 5Review any existing wills or estate planning documents
- 6Think about any specific bequests or charitable gifts you want to make
- 7Consider inheritance tax implications and planning opportunities
- 8Gather information about any trusts or complex assets you own
Helpful Tips
- Be specific about your wishes to avoid potential disputes
- Consider the impact of your decisions on family relationships
- Think about the practical aspects of your chosen executors
- Keep your will in a safe place and tell your executors where it is
Important Warnings
- Don't delay will writing - you never know what might happen
- Don't try to write your own will without legal advice
- Don't forget to update your will after major life changes
- Be careful about making changes to your will without proper legal advice
What to Do When Someone Dies
A step-by-step guide to the immediate steps and longer-term processes following a death.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Register the death and obtain death certificates
- 2Locate the will and any other important documents
- 3Contact the deceased's solicitor or find a probate solicitor
- 4Secure the deceased's property and valuables
- 5Notify relevant organizations (banks, insurance companies, etc.)
- 6Apply for probate or letters of administration
- 7Value the estate and calculate any inheritance tax due
- 8Distribute the estate according to the will or intestacy rules
Helpful Tips
- Don't rush into major decisions during the immediate aftermath
- Keep detailed records of all expenses and transactions
- Seek professional advice early in the process
- Be prepared for the process to take several months
Important Warnings
- Don't distribute assets until probate is granted
- Don't ignore inheritance tax obligations
- Don't make assumptions about the will or estate distribution
- Be careful about dealing with joint assets
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Additional Information
Our Process
Our estate planning process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your circumstances and objectives. We then provide tailored advice on will writing, trust planning, and tax-efficient strategies. For probate matters, we guide families through the entire process with sensitivity and efficiency, handling all legal requirements while keeping you informed throughout.
Timeline
Will writing typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on complexity. Probate and estate administration usually takes 6-12 months, though simple estates may be completed more quickly. We provide realistic timelines at the outset and keep you updated on progress throughout the process.
Costs & Fees
We provide clear, upfront pricing for will writing and estate planning services. Probate costs depend on the complexity of the estate and are typically paid from the estate funds. We discuss all costs at the outset and ensure you understand what's included in our fees.
What You'll Need
- Details of all assets and their approximate values
- Information about family members and beneficiaries
- Names of proposed executors and guardians
- Any existing wills or estate planning documents
- Details of any trusts or complex assets
- Information about debts and liabilities
- Any specific wishes or bequests
- Previous legal correspondence or advice
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Contact our charitable giving & philanthropy specialists for a consultation.