Hamilton Plans Newsletters

Spring 2012

I Want to Leave a Bequest

If you are having a Will prepared for the first time or revising your existing Will, you can easily add a provision for Hamilton. Your attorney can draft a Codicil (a supplement) to your existing Will that is otherwise satisfactory. In either case, the suggested language is fairly straightforward:

“I give and bequeath to the Trustees of Hamilton College, an educational corporation established by law at Clinton, New York, (here follows the amount in dollars, the percentage of the residuary estate, or an accurate description of the securities, real estate or other property given) to be used for the general purposes of the College.”

Is it better to leave an amount in dollars or a percentage?

Personal finances change throughout one’s lifetime. If you leave a percentage, it will remain proportionately the same regardless of the total value of your assets.

What if I want my bequest to be designated for a specific purpose, for example, a scholarship?

You should contact us to discuss your desired purpose so we may provide the appropriate language and documentation.