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The New Year is often seen as a time for fresh starts and resolutions, but it is also a good opportunity to ensure your legal affairs are in order. Wills, Probate, and Tax Planning specialist Justine Alford encourages families to begin 2025 with a legal health check.
Legal health check
A legal health check provides peace of mind, ensuring your plans align with your current circumstances and any recent life changes.
Justine, a member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, explains that taking early action can safeguard your future, clarify your wishes, and offer security for you and your loved ones. “Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your legal documents,” says Justine. “The start of the new year is the perfect time to review key legal documents to ensure they accurately reflect your current wishes.”
Research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that nearly half of UK adults (49%) over 30 do not have a Will in place, leaving families vulnerable to uncertainty and potential disputes. “It’s best practice to review and update your Will every five years or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones, such as a marriage or civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, a new birth, a death in your family, or if you or one of your beneficiaries has obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate,” says Justine.
“Having an up-to-date will not only ensures your wishes are carried out but also provides clear instructions for guardianship arrangements if you have children. It’s alarming how many parents don’t have a Will in place or haven’t appointed a legal guardian for their children. It’s important to note that godparents are not legal guardians unless appointed as such in a Will. Without a Will, the courts may decide who looks after your children, which might not reflect your preferences.”
Lasting Power of Attorney
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is another crucial step. This ensures that someone you trust can manage your financial and healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so. You can establish a Property and Financial Affairs LPA for handling your finances and a Health and Welfare LPA for decisions regarding your care and living arrangements.
“Finally, prepare for the unexpected,” says Justine. “Create a secure emergency document with essential contacts and key details for accessing important accounts, such as online banking. Additionally, documenting your funeral wishes can reduce the emotional burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.”
Justine says it is also a good idea to speak with an experienced Lifetime Lawyer to ensure that all documents are thorough, valid, and accurately reflect your intentions.
Call Justine on 01225 866541 or complete the Contact Form below.