Why make a will?

Making a clear, legally valid will, is the best way to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

Do I need professional advice to make a Will?

We suggest that you seek independent legal advice from your Solicitor, State or Public Trustee or Trustee Company when preparing this important document. It is recommended that you review your will every seven years to ensure it reflects your changing circumstances and wishes. Heart Research Australia has  also partnered with two Australian online will-writing services which you may wish to use: Safewill and Gathered Here.

I’d like to leave a gift in my Will to Heart Research Australia. What do I need to do?

Thank you! You will need to decide the type of gift you would like to leave such as a specific amount (pecuniary gift) or a percentage of your estate (residuary gift) and tell your solicitor. Also use the correct name (Heart Research Australia) and our ABN number (62 002 839 072). Here’s some more information on how to leave a gift in your will.

I already have a will, can I make a change simply?

Minor changes can be accomplished with a codicil, a simple amendment to an existing will. More substantial changes may require the drafting of a new will. Whether the changes are minor or extensive, always consult with your solicitor when considering a revision.

Why should I leave a gift to Heart Research Australia?

For the past three decades we have funded pioneering first-stage research aimed at identifying new and better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent cardiovascular disease. Almost half of our income comes from gifts in Wills and these kind gifts play a crucial part in paving the way for new discoveries and more effective treatments for heart disease.

With a gift in your will, you could help us make the next leap forward and spare more families the anxiety, fear and loss caused by heart disease.

More information. 

What if I don’t think I’ll have enough money to do this?

We know that family and loved ones must always come first. To ensure that they are provided for you may like to consider leaving just a small percentage in your Will to charity. Even a gift as small as 1% of your estate could make a huge difference and will help us fund future heart research.

I’d like my bequest to be used for specific research. Can I do this?

We recommend leaving your gift for ‘general purposes’. This will allow us the flexibility to direct the funds where they’re most needed, as priorities for research can change over time.

However, if there is an area of heart research that you are particularly interested in, then please contact Diane van de Merwe on 02 9436 0056 to discuss your bequest in confidence.

If I leave a gift to Heart Research Australia in my Will, do I need to tell you?

No you don’t, but we’d love to hear from you if you have left a gift or are considering a gift. This will give us the opportunity to thank you and to keep you informed about the latest developments in the fight against heart disease.

Please note that we will never put you under any pressure and naturally, you have the unreserved right to change your mind at any time.

You can notify us of your intention to leave a gift in your Will  by contacting our Philanthropy Manager, Diane van de Merwe on 02 9436 0056 or at bequests@heartresearch.com.au.