A bequest is a legal and spiritual act that allows you to pass on part or all of your estate after your death. For the Augustinians of the Assumption, each bequest is an opportunity to perpetuate educational, spiritual, and charitable works. But what exactly is a bequest? What are the legal, tax, and human implications? How can you set one up so that it reflects your values while respecting your loved ones?
What is a bequest?
A bequest is a testamentary gift: that is, an act by which a person (the testator) transfers all or part of their property to one or more persons (the legatees) free of charge after their death. It is revocable at any time and only takes effect upon the death of the testator. (Article 895 of the Civil Code)
What is the difference between a bequest, a donation, and life insurance?
To provide you with a simple summary, we have compiled the main features of the three devices:
| Bequest | Donation | Life insurance |
| Transfer after death | Transfer during one’s lifetime | Transfer after death or during lifetime (surrender) |
| Revocable | Irrevocable | Editable |
| Taxation: inheritance tax | Taxation: tax reduction | Taxation: partial exemption |
Why leave a legacy to the Augustinians of the Assumption?
To bring its values to life
A bequest allows you to support causes that are important to you, such as:
- The spiritual formation of young priests.
- Education in developing countries.
- The fight against exclusion in France and the rest of the world.
Example: A bequest of €50,000 can finance the training of a priest for five years (average annual cost: €10,000).
To make an act of faith and solidarity
With a bequest, you live and bring the Gospel to life beyond your own existence. You are placing your trust in the future and in Hope. You are choosing to pass on something for eternity and to offer the best for generations to come.
To maintain control and offer you flexibility
- You retain the use and enjoyment of your assets during your lifetime.
- You can amend your will at any time.
How can I make a bequest to the Assumption?
Writing your will
There are two main types of wills:
- The holographic will:
- It must be handwritten, dated, and signed.
- Our advice: number and initial each page.
- Example: “I, the undersigned, [Last Name First Name], born on [date] in [place], bequeath to the Assumption Missionary Procure [description of the bequest]. Done at [place], on [date]. [Signature].”
- The authentic will:
- It is dictated to a notary in the presence of two witnesses or a second notary.
- Our advice: this offers you the advantage of maximum legal certainty.
- Cost: varies between approximately €150 and €300.
Choose your type of bequest
- Universal bequest: you transfer all your assets.
- Universal legacy: you transfer a share (for example, one third of your estate).
- Specific bequest: you bequeath a specific asset (e.g., an apartment, a sum of money). A specific bequest may be worded as follows: “I bequeath my second home located at [address] to the Missionary Procure of the Assumption.”
Respect the reserved portion
What is the reserved portion? It is the minimum share of the estate reserved for heirs who are entitled to receive a portion of the estate (children, spouse). The freely transferable portion is called the disposable portion.
Here is a concrete summary:
| Family situation | Available quota |
| 1 child | 50 % |
| 2 children | 33 % |
| 3 or more children | 25 % |
| Spouse without descendants | 75 % |
| No compulsory heir | 100 % |
What are the tax rules for bequests?
Bequests are subject to special taxation.
Inheritance tax
- Inheritance tax is fully exempt for bequests to recognized public interest organizations (such as the Missionary Procure of the Assumption).
- A reduced rate is applied to inheritance tax for bequests to heirs who are not compulsory heirs.
Thanks to a bequest with a charge, you can bequeath property to the Assumption Missionary Procure with the charge that it pay a sum to a loved one. For example: “I bequeath €100,000 to the Assumption Missionary Procure, with the obligation to pay €40,000 to my nephew.” By choosing this bequest procedure, your nephew receives €40,000 net (without inheritance tax), and the Procure receives €60,000.
What impact can your bequest to the Augustinians of the Assumption have?
“After working all my life in education, I wanted my legacy to be used to train young religious. Knowing that my bequest will enable students to pursue their vocation fills me with joy. The Missionary Procure kindly supported me in this endeavor.”
Élise, legatee
A bequest can be converted into:
- Training: a religious leader trained for five years.
- Education: ten children enrolled in school in Africa.
- Solidarity: a shelter for homeless people in France.
What are the different steps involved in making a bequest?
- First and foremost, take the time to think about your values: what causes are important to you? What causes do you want to support?
- Make an appointment with a notary to get sound advice: they will help you secure your will and comply with the reserved portion of your estate.
- Write your will, either on your own or with the help of a notary, making sure to follow the legal rules.
- Although this is optional, we recommend that you inform the Missionary Office (optional but recommended): we will then be able to offer you personalized support [link to contact]. This does not commit you to anything, even if you change your mind: you remain free to change anything at any time.
- Keep your will in a safe place (with a notary, for example) and tell your loved ones where to find it.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bequeath your entire estate if you have no compulsory heirs. Otherwise, you can only bequeath the disposable portion.
No, you are not obligated to do so. However, we advise you to communicate with them to avoid conflicts.
Yes, a will can be amended and revoked at any time.
If you have not written a will, your assets will be distributed according to the legal rules of inheritance defined by the Civil Code.
Bequests: a generous, thoughtful, and secure act
Making a bequest is a generous, thoughtful, and secure act. Whether you wish to support the formation of religious, education, or solidarity, the Assumption Missionary Procure is here to help. Take the time to think about it, consult a notary, contact us, and together, let’s pass on your values.
We are available to assist you in your efforts and provide advice:
Contact-us : legs@assomption.org | 01 44 41 40 34