We think estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent the many things that can go wrong in life. We always emphasise the importance of taking professional advice when it comes to putting in place Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT?

• Did you know that by adding trust provisions to a Will it can help protect your home from being used to pay care home fees if you need long term care?
• Have you remarried leaving children from a previous relationship? You may have stopped those children from receiving an inheritance from you – we can fix that.
• What if your children divorce after your death? Do their ex-spouses receive money your children inherited from you? This can be prevented.
• Estranged children can make claims against an estate even if you have made a Will – we can help prevent that.
• What happens if you have a stroke and lose the ability to make decisions for yourself? No-one can access bank accounts, pay bills or even decide on your medical treatment, including where and how you are treated and whether or not you have to live in a care home. These decisions are taken out of your family’s hands – we can help your family have the final say through Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Are you unmarried with a partner? Dying without a Will distributes your estate in accordance with very old law which dictates how much family members receive. Unmarried partners receive nothing and, beware, your childrens’ inheritance is administered by their surviving parent with whom you may no longer have a good relationship
• What if you have vulnerable children or relatives? They might have problems with drugs or alcohol or gambling. Could they manage their inheritance? What if they are disabled – would their benefits stop if they inherit? We can help you manage that.
• Will your children pay inheritance tax after your death? We can help you plan to mitigate this.

For FREE bespoke advice based upon your personal circumstances and delivered to you by email by one of our senior solicitors please click below to fill out our simple form.