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Wills and Bequests

Every adult needs a will. For a Christian, it's a matter of good stewardship.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will?

Dying without a will is called dying "intestate" and the government will decide how your estate is to be administered and how much each of your heirs will receive. Nothing is given to charity. If you don't have a will, the government decides how to distribute the resources God entrusted to you.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy to the Church

If you wish to leave a gift to The Presbyterian Church in Canada, choose the wording that best expresses your wishes and have a lawyer incorporate the provision into your Will.

  1. I give, devise and bequeath to The Presbyterian Church in Canada the sum of $___________ And I declare that the receipt of the congregational treasurer or the denomination's board of trustees shall be, for the time being, a sufficient discharge to my executors for payment thereof.
    2. OR
  2. I give, devise and bequeath to (insert the name of your congregation) the sum of $___________ and I declare that the receipt of the congregational treasurer or the denomination's board of trustees shall be, for the time being, a sufficient discharge to my executors for payment thereof.
    3. OR
  3. I give, devise and bequeath to The Presbyterian Church in Canada (or, to the "ABC" congregation) (name the desired proportion, e.g. 10%, 25%, 50%) of the rest and residue of my estate. And I declare that the receipt of the congregational treasurer or the denomination's board of trustees shall be, for the time being, a sufficient discharge to my executors for payment thereof.
    4. OR (When adding a clause (codicil) to an existing will),
  4. This codicil dated (month)/(day)/(year) is an addition to the Will of me, (name in full) I give, devise and bequeath to The Presbyterian Church in Canada (or your congregation) the sum of $___________ and I declare that the receipt of the Congregational Treasurer or the denomination's Board of Trustees shall be, for the time being, a sufficient discharge to my executors for payment thereof.
    5. OR
  5. All the rest and residue of my estate I give, devise and bequeath to The Presbyterian Church in Canada (or your congregation).

Codicils and wills must be dated and signed, and the signature witnessed.

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Why Do I Need a Will?

A Will allows you to

  • say who will be your executor
  • make responsible decisions about distributing your estate
  • provide for the well-being of your loved ones
  • appoint guardians for minor children
  • make provisions for special remembrances
  • give a gift to organizations that are important to you
  • show gratitude to God for the good gifts you have received.