It is a common misconception that your next of kin will be able to make decisions and deal with important matters on your behalf, if you are unable to do it yourself. Sadly, it’s often not possible, particularly when dealing with finance and property matters or health...
What happens if a couple have separate finances?
This could affect you. Separate accounts? Separate property? Separate children? These days, it’s not only our families that are more complicated, but also our finances. It’s quite common for couples to separate some or all of their finances. As well as a joint bank...
The Pitfalls of helping an elderly relative with banking and bills – and what should you do instead?
Elderly relatives may need help for various reasons. They may be in the early stages of dementia, or have physical or mobility difficulties. Maybe they’d just prefer you to deal with matters for them. But how do you do this easily and legally? Just...
What have we learnt from 2020?
2020 has been dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It's affected us all in one way or another. Neither military power nor wealth has been able to stop the destructive global spread of this tiny member of the...
Why you should be considering Lasting Powers Of Attorney in your estate planning
Research* indicates that there is a significant section of society who haven’t even considered the importance of later life planning. Whilst most of us understand the importance of making a Will (and maybe still haven’t...
Lasting Powers of Attorney – what can go wrong?
What’s the difference between a Will and a Power of Attorney? Will: a legal document which deals with the disposal of a person’s estate when they die.Power of Attorney: a legal document which appoints an Attorney to act on behalf of someone else whilst...
Drawdown pensions – the ticking timebomb?
Pension Freedoms and the importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney Do you have a drawdown pension? Or are you a financial adviser for clients with pensions? Four out of five retirees (79%) using pension freedoms to manage their retirement savings face a...
One simple way to protect your business
Are you a business owner or company director? Who would manage your business if you suddenly couldn’t? Have you appointed anybody to act as your attorney if you are incapacitated? Not simply is there someone capable of acting on your behalf, but have you prepared a...
What’s the difference between an Enduring and Lasting Power of Attorney?
Prior to 2007, many people prepared an Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) which nominates an Attorney of your choosing, and who you trust, to act on your behalf, if you were unable to manage your own affairs, for example – if you have dementia. Would the attorneys...
Lasting Powers of Attorneys: benefits of future planning
The number of lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) granted annually has tripled between 2010 and 2015.Overall, 128,746 LPAs were granted by the Office of the Public Guardian in 2010, whilst 441,461 were granted in 2015. The information was obtained through a Freedom of...
Get in touch for a free consultation
Contact us for help with your will, power of attorney or probate arrangements, or for any questions you may have