Yes. An online Will has to meet the same requirements as any other Will. You must be 18 or older, of sound mind, and making the Will of your own free choice. Once you have finished your Will online, print it and sign it in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries.

No. Your Will must be printed and signed by hand, because the Supreme Court in each state needs the original signed Will before it will grant probate. You usually sign in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Some states, including NSW and Victoria, allow witnessing by video link in limited circumstances. Each platform's instructions explain what applies in your state.

Yes. It is a good idea to review your Will every three to five years, or after a major life change such as a marriage, separation, divorce, the birth of a child or a change in your assets. Most online Will services make updates easy. Check with EveryWill or Willed for how their updates work.

No. Your Will is private, and our online partners do not share your personal details with us. If you include a gift to VCF, we would be grateful if you let us know so we can thank you.

A Bequest or Gift in Will is a legacy you leave to a cause that is close to your heart. It could be a percentage of your estate, a fixed sum of money, property or shares. Making this commitment ensures your beliefs and values live on.

A gift in your Will is a very special way to continue your support. By leaving a gift to the Victor Chang Foundation, you will help train talented cardiac surgeons from across Asia at leading Australian hospitals, including St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, They return home to treat thousands of patients and teach others. Your gift means you will always be part of Dr Victor Chang’s legacy, and something you and your family can be proud of together. Your gift can also fund our General Grants program, supporting new ideas, devices and techniques in heart surgery, continuing Dr Chang’s pioneering spirit.

All gifts, no matter their size, make a big difference. For full information on how to leave a gift, download VCF’s free Gift in Wills Guide or contact us at info@victorchangfoundation.com.au.

The Victor Chang Foundation has three key areas: general purposes, Cardiac Surgical Fellowships and General Grants. A gift for general purposes gives us the most flexibility, as we can direct it to where it is needed most. We know some people have a strong connection to a particular program. If you have a specific request, please contact us at info@victorchangfoundation.com.au to discuss.

We recommend that you work with a solicitor or public trustee to write your Will.

We would love to know if you have included us in your Will! You are under no obligation to tell us, but it gives us the chance to thank you for your generosity and to share our long-term plans with you. Any information you decide to share is completely confidential.

Sharing your decision with your loved ones lets them know why training heart surgeons and continuing Dr Victor Chang’s work is important to you. It’s something you and your family can be proud of together.

If you already have a Will, you don’t necessarily need to start from the beginning to include a gift to the Victor Chang Foundation. Instead, you could add a codicil, a separate document that refers to the clause in your Will you wish to change and sets out the change. It is important not to make alterations on your existing Will, as this may make it invalid. You can find suggested wording for your codicil, and your codicil must be witnessed by two people when you sign and date it. If your change is complex, you may need a new Will. If in doubt, it is best to ask a solicitor to help.

There are many kinds of gifts you can leave, including:
1.    A percentage of your estate
2.    A specific sum of money
3.    Property
4.    Shares
Leaving a percentage of your estate has the most impact, as it keeps up with inflation and maintains its value over time.
1.    It is simple – 1%, 5%, 10% – it does not change, even if the value of your estate does
2.    It allows you to take care of your loved ones first
You can find out more about the types of gifts in Wills

We’ve put together some wording for you. You can also download VCF’s free Gift in Wills Guide.

Life changes, so it is good practice to keep your Will safe and review it every two to three years, or sooner if your personal or financial circumstances change, for example if you enter a de facto relationship, marry, separate, divorce, buy real estate or receive an inheritance.

We promise to always:
•      Keep your information confidential and in line with our privacy policy
•      Honour your wishes
•      Ensure your gift is used in the most effective way
•      Respect that a decision this important needs time – how and when you make it is personal to you
•      Understand that you might change your mind; circumstances change, and you are always free to reconsider
•      Honour your privacy – we would like to acknowledge your generosity, but only in a way you are comfortable with
•      Keep you updated on our fellows, grants and achievements

You can find out more or contact us for assistance at info@victorchangfoundation.com.au.
Please note that The Victor Chang Foundation is exempt from income tax and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient under Subdivision 30-BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. If shares are included as estate assets, the Victor Chang Foundation may prefer those assets to be transferred in specie.

We would love to help. For a confidential chat, please contact us at info@victorchangfoundation.com.au. You can also download VCF’s free Gift in Wills Guide.