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Legal Information

Language for Your Will

Below are examples of standard language used to include a charitable bequest in your will.

Percentage Bequest
I give, bequeath, and devise (state percentage amount) to Home for Life®, a qualified 501c3 charitable institution, located in Stillwater, Minnesota, to be used to provide lifetime care for special needs dogs and cats that, while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find a home due to age, chronic treatable disorder, handicap or similar reason.

Residual Bequest
I give, bequeath, and devise (all, or state percentage or shares) of the rest, residue, and remainder of property, both real and personal, wherever situated, which I may own or be entitled to at my death, to Home for Life®, a qualified 501c3 charitable institution, located in Stillwater, Minnesota, to be used to provide lifetime care for special needs dogs and cats that, while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find a home due to age, chronic treatable disorder, handicap or similar reason.

Specific Bequest
I give, bequeath, and devise (state amount or item) to Home for Life®, a qualified 501 c 3 charitable institution, located in Stillwater, Minnesota, to be used to provide lifetime care for special needs dogs and cats that, while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find a home due to age, chronic treatable disorder, handicap or similar reason.

Home for Life Legacy Society

Your charitable bequest or intent to bequest will gain you entry into the Home for Life® Legacy Society..

Charitable Bequests

Protect the animals you love. Create a lasting partnership with Home for Life®. Your planned gift makes it possible.

You can make your bequest for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or specific assets from your estate. Bequests, like other gifts, can be designated for many purposes or given without restriction.

Your first step, once you decide to leave a gift, is to contact your attorney to help you draw up your will. Your attorney will need to know the legal information shown to your right.

four cats in a cat tree
HFL resident cats in the feline leukemia building, named in honor of donor Jason Steffens' beloved pets, Porsche and Mercedes.

There are three main types of bequests: percentage, residual and specific.

The Percentage Bequest

A percentage bequest is a bequest of a certain percentage of your estate or of another asset. (For example, you might provide that, upon your death, your house will be sold and each of your three children will receive one-third of the net proceeds.)

A percentage bequest to Home for Life® designates that a specific percentage, anywhere from 1-100% of your estate, is left to Home for Life®. The greatest advantage of this structure is that, as your estate increases in value over time, your gift will keep pace and your support for Home for Life® will grow.

The Residual Bequest

A residual bequest is a bequest of all or a portion of the remainder or residue of your estate after specific and other bequests have been distributed. (For example, you might provide that everything that remains after all previous bequests have been satisfied should be given to the American Heart Association.)

By naming Home for Life® as the beneficiary of this residue, you simplify the probate process and ensure that the government allocates the remainder of your estate as you see fit.

The Specific Bequest

A specific bequest is a bequest for a specific item or dollar amount. (For example, you might provide that your baseball autographed by Babe Ruth be given to your nephew, Billy, at your death.)