Wuffle wrote:Is there a reason why the charitable donations cannot be made before the passing? Then, on passing, give to someone you actually like rather than agonising over donations to questionable relatives?
The problem is that you might need the money yourself if, say, you live longer than you think and need a lot of expensive care.
So by having the Will handle that, you retain maximum flexibility over your assets for your entire life.
That said, I have solved the problem by not leaving anything to charity. I'll make donations as I feel like it each year. But the amounts are small, relatively speaking. That also means you can use Gift-Aid.
Of course, it also depends if you want to avoid IHT.