Universal legacy
You leave all your assets to one or more people or organisations. To leave everything to Sanco, you make Sanco Foundation your universal legatee.
Sanco in your will
Leave your estate to the care of animals
With a legacy in your will, you make sure animals in need will still get help in the future. You remain the owner of your assets during your lifetime, and you can always change your will.
How to include Sanco in your will
State in your will that you leave (part of) your assets to Sanco Foundation vzw, Belgian company number 0792.367.066. That way there can be no doubt about the beneficiary.
You can draw up a holographic, authentic or international will yourself or with a notary. A handwritten will is best registered through a notary, who keeps it safe so that it cannot get lost and misunderstandings are avoided.
No notary yet? Find a notary near you via notaris.be (Belgium).
Three types of legacy
Which legacy suits you?
Legacy by universal title
You leave part of your assets, for example a percentage of your estate or the balance of your bank accounts.
Specific legacy
You leave specific assets, such as a sum of money, a property or the contents of an investment account.
Frequently asked questions about legacies
How do I draw up a will with a legacy?
Belgian law knows three forms of will: the holographic will, which you write entirely by hand, date and sign yourself; the authentic will, which you dictate to a notary; and the international will, the only form that may be typed in advance, mainly used for extensive wills or in an international context. Preferably deposit your will with a notary and describe very clearly what exactly you leave to Sanco Foundation.
What is a universal legacy?
With a universal legacy you leave your entire estate to one or more beneficiaries. If you want one or more beneficiaries to distribute your assets, you appoint them as universal legatee. They distribute your estate as a whole and pay out any specific legacies you have made.
Can I leave a legacy to an association if I am married or have children?
Yes. You are free to dispose of your assets, but your children and spouse are entitled to a reserved share of the estate under Belgian law. They can have a legacy reduced until that share is respected. Your will may still cover all of your assets, because you cannot know what your family situation will be at the time of your death or whether they will claim their share.
Do I need a notary to make a legacy?
We strongly recommend it. A will looks simple, but small mistakes can call a legacy into question. A notary explains what is possible in your family situation, helps you draft the will in the right legal wording and keeps it safe. Wills deposited with a Belgian notary are registered in the Central Register of Wills. A first conversation with a notary is often free of charge.
What is the difference between a legacy and a gift?
With a legacy you leave something through your will; you remain the owner of your assets until your death and can change your will at any time. It is the most common way to leave assets to a charity. With a gift you give up (part of) your assets immediately and permanently: a gift cannot be reclaimed.
This information is general and based on Belgian law; it does not replace legal advice. A notary can often give you a first, free and above all accurate piece of advice. Questions about including Sanco in your will? Feel free to email info@sanco.org.