In the following examples, please replace words in parentheses with the appropriate names, locations, and dates.
NOTE: We strongly urge you to consult an attorney when developing a will and other estate plans. In some cases, self-written or "homemade" wills and estate plans may not ultimately be considered valid. In addition, charitable legatees need to be properly described in the will to avoid confusion later.
Last Will and Testament of (JANE DOE)
I, (JANE DOE), of (Your Town, Your State), do hereby make, publish, and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.
FIRST: I direct all of my lawful debts and funeral expenses shall be paid.
SECOND: All the rest, remainder, and residue of my property, both real and personal, I give, devise, and bequeath absolutely to The Humane Society of the United States (tax identification number 53-0225390), a charitable corporation organized under Delaware law now maintaining its headquarters in the District of Columbia at 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.
THIRD: I hereby appoint (JOHN DOE), now residing at (John's full address) as the Executor of this will. In the event that (JOHN DOE) pre-deceases me or is unable or unwilling to serve as my Executor, I appoint the (SMITH TRUST COMPANY) as Executor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this (date) of (month), (year), in the presence of the witness attesting the same at my request. For purpose of identification, I have signed in the margin of the preceding page(s) of this my Last Will and Testament, which consists of (number) typewritten pages.
_________________________
(seal or signature.)
(JANE DOE)
ATTESTATION
The foregoing instrument was on the day and month of the date thereof, signed, sealed, published and declared by (JANE DOE), the above-named testatrix, and as for (her/his) Last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who at the same time, at (his/her) request, in (his/her) presence and in the presence of each other, hereunto subscribe our names as witness thereto, all on the date last above written.
NAME AND ADDRESS
___________________________ ___________________________
(JOHN SMITH) printed signature
___________________________ ___________________________
(ANN JONES) printed signature
___________________________ ___________________________
(JOE BROWN) printed signature
If you wish to give only a portion of your estate to The HSUS, replace the language under "SECOND" with the appropriate section below:
Percentage Bequest
"I give, devise and bequeath to The Humane Society of the United States (tax identification number 53-0225390), a charitable corporation organized under Delaware law now maintaining its headquarters in the District of Columbia at 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, ____% of the rest and residue of my estate."
Residuary Bequest
"I give, devise and bequeath to The Humane Society of the United States (tax identification number 53-0225390), a charitable corporation organized under Delaware law now maintaining its headquarters in the District of Columbia at 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, the rest and residue of my estate."
Contingent Bequest
"In the event that (name or names; i.e., spouse, children, sibling, heirs) shall not survive me, or shall die during the administration of my estate, within ___ days from the date of my death, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give, devise and bequeath those beneficiaries' shares of my estate to The Humane Society of the United States, (tax identification number 53-0225390), a charitable corporation organized under Delaware law now maintaining its headquarters in the District of Columbia at 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.
For more information about leaving The HSUS in your will, please contact the Major and Planned Gifts Office toll free at 1-800-808-7858, or e-mail us at gifts@hsus.org.
