Can I leave something to a charity?

Yes. Give the charity's full name and, if possible, its registration details so it can be identified.

Can I leave nothing to a family member?

You can say who you want to benefit, but some family members may have a claim depending on the law that applies. A lawyer can confirm what applies to you.

Executors, guardians and beneficiaries

Who are your beneficiaries?

Your beneficiaries are the people or organisations who receive something under your will.

In 30 seconds

Anyone you choose

Beneficiaries can be family, friends, a charity, a school or a religious organisation.

Specific gifts

You can leave a particular item or sum to a particular person, such as a car to your son.

The rest of your estate

Everything not given away as a specific gift is shared among the people you choose, in the shares you choose.

Be clear about who

Use full names and relationships so there is no doubt about who you mean.

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You can leave particular things to particular people (specific gifts) and share out everything else (the rest of your estate). Describe each beneficiary clearly, and think about who should receive their share if they die before you.

Types of gift

Most wills contain some or all of these:

Specific gifts: a named item, such as a piece of jewellery or a vehicle
Money gifts: a fixed sum to a person or organisation
The rest of your estate (the residue): everything left after debts, costs and other gifts

Describing beneficiaries

Give each person's full name and their relationship to you. If you leave something to a group, such as 'my children', a lawyer can check the wording covers the people you mean.

Beneficiaries should not witness your will

When you sign, choose witnesses who are not beneficiaries and not married to a beneficiary. Otherwise their gift may be at risk.

Key points

Beneficiaries are the people who receive something under your will.
Use full names and relationships.
Beneficiaries shouldn't witness your will.

Common mistakes

Using nicknames or unclear descriptions.
Asking a beneficiary to witness the will.

Questions people ask

Can I leave something to a charity?: Yes. Give the charity's full name and, if possible, its registration details so it can be identified.
Can I leave nothing to a family member?: You can say who you want to benefit, but some family members may have a claim depending on the law that applies. A lawyer can confirm what applies to you.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice about your circumstances. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

Last updated 24 September 2026.