Benefit your family and Scouting with a will. A will makes a statement about what matters most in your life. By making a will, you ensure that your intentions are clearly expressed, and that they will be followed by those administering your estate. You should decide who will get your estate — after all, you’re the one that worked so hard to get it. Unfortunately, about 70% of all Americans do not make a will, and let their state decide how to distribute their assets.

After providing for family, friends, and others, many supporters of Scouting also include a meaningful gift to their local council to continue their lifetime support. Gifts in a will can be a) specific bequests of property, b) a stated dollar amount, c) a percentage of the estate, d) a gift of the residual (what’s left after all other provisions of your will have been satisfied), or e) a contingent gift (taking effect only if other will provisions cannot be satisfied). Of course, most of the charitable trusts that can be created during your lifetime can also be created in your will for the benefit of family, friends and charities.

Charitable bequests are a great way to provide for Scouting without giving up the assets during your lifetime. When the gift is distributed from your estate, your estate may receive an estate tax charitable deduction.

It is very important that your bequest be correctly stated in your will. Tidewater Council will be happy to provide you and your legal adviser with suggested terminology to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Contact Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.