About legacies and wills

"There are still millions of people in the South living in extreme poverty and injustice. Yet they have ample talents and plans to do something about this. But because of a lack of means, they never get the chance to realise their own plans. With the help of many donators and volunteers, Broederlijk Delen supports these people in the South. You are not immune to all this poverty and injustice either? You want to help these people too? During your life, but also afterwards? By including Broederlijk Delen in your will, you can live on in the plans of the people in the South. Your help means a better life for thousands of people. Less poverty, more justice…a better world. Broederlijk Delen has been fighting poverty and injustice in the South for 45 years. We would like to continue our work for years to come as well. For as long as our help is needed. Your commitment, beyond the borders of this human existence, is of vital importance to garantee this. Thank you very much in advance;." Luc Claessens, Director Broederlijk Delen

For a non-committal conversation, feel free to contact Luc Claessens, (02/213.04.21) or Marc Vertommen (02.213.04.39). You can also ask for our information leaflet by simply filling out this form.

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON LEGACIES:

What is a legacy? A legacy is a donation through a will. It is only carried out after the donor has passed away. The legatee is the person who receives the legacy. The legatee can be a person or an institution that is competent to accept legacies, like Broederlijk Delen.   How can I include Broederlijk Delen in my will? Part of the legacy is always alloted to the legal heirs, if there are any. You can decide for  yourself how you distribute the remaining part of your legacy after you have passed away. It is sufficient to mention in your will that you would like to donate a part of, or all your posessions, if you have no legal heirs, to Broederlijk Delen. How can I make sure my will is valid? You can either draw up a handwritten/holographic will or a notarised will. A  handwritten will is handwritten by yourself, dated and signed. A notarized will is dictated by you and written down by a notary and signed by you. We advise you to have your will checked by a notary and to have him safeguard it for you. This is the best guarantee that your last will, will be carried out the way you want it. A will is not necessarily definitive. You can always change it. Only the last version is binding.

What happens to my will after I pass away?
A will is carried out in accordance with the testator’s last wishes. In most cases, the notary will make sure this is done correctly. You can also choose to appoint a testamentary executor. This is often a friend or a family member.

What about the inheritance taxes?
A legacy to Broederlijk Delen is fiscally attractive because the inheritance taxes (taxes on inheritances) only amount to 8.8% for Broederlijk Delen. Inheritance taxes for other than blood relatives and other heirs vary between 35 and 64% in the Flemish part of the country. There is a type of legacy, the ‘duolegaat’ (duolegacy) which implies that Broederlijk Delen can take on the inheritence taxes of your heirs. In this way, you favour both your heirs ánd Broederlijk Delen.

Can I leave a house or an artwork to Broederlijk Delen?
Broederlijk Delen is indeed entitled to accept immovable property (houses, grounds, appartments, etc) and movable property (paintings, stamp collections, etc). Broederlijk Delen sells these properties at the best prices. The proceeds are of course invested in the people of the South’s own plans.

Your legacy to Broederlijk Delen will be well spent Broederlijk Delen deals with the alloted legacies in a serious and respectful way.
The state, the notary and possible testimantary executor see to it that everything is carried out correctly.

If you are interested in getting to know the different activities and services of Broederlijk Delen personally, you are welcome in our office in Brussels, Huidevettersstraat 165. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment. We gladly send you the required information on our work in the South. If you would like some more information, please fill out this form in order to receive the information brochure. For further information you can also contact Luc Claessens, (02/213.04.21) or Marc Vertommen (02.213.04.39). 

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