Bequests

For many people, bequests are the easiest type of planned gift to arrange. Bequests enable your estate to realize a tax savings benefit and ensure that your assets are distributed the way you want them to be.

Below is sample wording that can be used for estate gifts in your will or codicil. The right one depends on your needs and we encourage you to discuss these options with your legal advisor for professional advice.

1. An unrestricted gift:

I give and bequeath to the Pine Tree Society for Handicapped Children and Adults, Inc. a nonprofit organization located at 149 Front Street, Bath, Maine the sum of $__________ for its general purposes.

2. Gift for a specific purpose:

I give and bequeath to the Pine Tree Society for Handicapped Children and Adults, Inc. a nonprofit organization located at 149 Front Street, Bath, Maine the sum of $__________ to be used for _______. (Please specify the purpose such as Pine Tree Camp, The Kids’ Project, etc.)

3. Residual gift (after other specific bequests are made)

All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, and wherever situate, I give and bequeath to the Pine Tree Society for Handicapped Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization, located at 149 Front Street, Bath, Maine, for its general purposes.

4. Contingent Gift

I give and bequeath the residue of my property owned by me at my death, both real and personal, and wherever situate, to my spouse (name______________), if s/he survives me. If my spouse does not survive me, I give my residuary estate to the Pine Tree Society for Handicapped Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization, located at 149 Front Street, Bath, Maine, for its general purposes (or specific purpose).

5. Final Contingent Beneficiary

I give and bequeath the residue of my property owned by me at my death, both real and personal, and wherever situate, in equal shares to my above named beneficiaries, if they survive me. If my above-named beneficiaries do not survive me, I give my residuary estate to the Pine Tree Society for Handicapped Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization, located at 149 Front Street, Bath, Maine, for its general purposes (or specific purpose).