Bequests and legacies

There are two main types of will:

Holograph wills

This is the simplest way of defining your last wishes.

You should write it out entirely by hand, including the exact date on which it was drawn up, and sign it.

In a holograph will, you should mention all the people and/or organizations to whom you wish to leave part of your inheritance, giving as much information as possible, such as their full name and address, and the share of your inheritance that is intended for them.

It is essential that the will contain the following information:

-The title “Will”

-The identity of the testator, i.e. first name, surname, place, and date of birth

-The revocation of any previous wills (if any)

-The testamentary provisions: alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible to bequeath a specific asset or amount. In this case, it is necessary to state precisely which property or which amount (or percentage) is to be passed on to which person (individual or legal entity) and to indicate the contact details of the persons designated as heirs. For Enfants du Monde, please specify: the association Enfants du Monde, route de Ferney 150, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex

-The name of the executor of the will, if you have chosen one

-The place, year, month, and day on which the document was drawn up

-The testator’s signature at the bottom of the will, to cover its entire contents. It is important that the testator indicates his first name(s) and surname and uses his usual signature, to leave no doubt as to the testator’s identity.

The public will

To draw up a public will, you must call on the services of a public officer or a notary and be in the presence of two witnesses. He will draw up your last wishes, have them signed by your witnesses and keep the signed document. Please note: your witnesses cannot be among your legal heirs or listed as beneficiaries in your will.

You can deposit your will free of charge in your commune of residence.

Subject to the prescribed formalities, you may change, revoke or destroy your will at any time.

Here are some standard formulas that you can use if you wish to include Enfants du Monde in your will:

• For an inheritance: “After payment of all hereditary shares, I wish to divide the remaining assets as follows: 50% to X (First name) Y (Last name), and 50% to the association Enfants du Monde, route de Ferney 150, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex.”
• For a bequest: “I bequeath to the association Enfants du Monde, route de Ferney 150, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex the sum of CHF 1,000.”