Shaping your legacy step by step

Making a legacy is a deeply personal decision, and it’s natural to feel unsure about where to begin. You might wonder what’s involved or feel it’s overwhelming to figure everything out on your own.

To make it easier, we’ve outlined the process for you below. Step by step, you’ll see what’s possible and how to go about it, so you can make your wishes a reality with confidence.

Step 1: Choose between a testamentary inheritance or a bequest

If you would like to include Cappella Amsterdam in your will, there are two ways to do so: through a testamentary inheritance or a bequest.

With a testamentary inheritance, you name Cappella Amsterdam as a (co-)heir. This means that part—or even all—of your estate, after any debts and costs are deducted, will go to our foundation. You can designate Cappella Amsterdam as your sole heir, or as one of several heirs.

If you prefer a bequest, you leave a specific amount, a percentage of your assets, or an item (such as a work of art or a musical instrument). In this case, Cappella Amsterdam is not an heir, but receives only the designated bequest. This is handled before the remainder of the estate is distributed among the heirs.

There is no minimum amount for a bequest—every contribution helps us continue creating and sharing top-quality choral music.

Step 2: Find a notary

To make your wishes official, you’ll need a notary, as only they can draw up a legally valid will. You can easily find a notary in your area and compare fees through websites like notaris.nl.

If visiting a notary in person is difficult due to illness or mobility issues, many notaries can come to your home or even to the hospital. Just keep in mind that extra costs may apply.

Once you’ve chosen a notary, you can book your first appointment and take the next step in shaping your legacy.

Step 3: Your first meeting with the notary

During your first meeting, you’ll discuss your personal situation and wishes. The notary will advise you and record everything in formal legal language. After the meeting, you’ll receive a draft of your will by post.

Would you like to start by exploring your options online? Websites like nunotariaat.nl allow you to create an initial draft of your will. You’ll fill in a digital questionnaire, but you’ll still need to visit a notary in person to make the will legally valid. Keep in mind that online wills offer less customization and may not be suitable for every situation.

What information does the notary need?
If you’d like to include Cappella Amsterdam in your will, please provide the following details to your notary:

  • Foundation: Stichting Cappella Amsterdam, based in Amsterdam

  • Chamber of Commerce number: 41201414

  • Mailing address: Piet Heinkade 5, 1019 BR Amsterdam

During the meeting, you’ll also discuss who you’d like to appoint as executor of your will. This can be a notary, a family member, or a close friend. In some cases, you might consider asking Cappella Amsterdam for assistance with handling your estate. Of course, this can only be done in consultation and under certain conditions—feel free to contact us if you’d like to discuss this.

Step 4: Signing your will

Once you’re happy with the draft of your will, you’ll schedule a second meeting with the notary. During this meeting, you’ll review the content together. Do you understand the implications of your choices, and is everything correct? If so, you and the notary will sign the will.

From that moment, your will is legally valid. The notary registers it with the Central Wills Register (Centraal Testamentenregister) and keeps the original safely in a secure vault. You’ll receive a copy for your own records.