As we welcome in another New Year, it’s the perfect time for a legal health check, protecting what matters most – your family. At Cunningtons Solicitors, we’re here to help our clients ensure that their legal arrangements reflect their wishes and current circumstances.
Think of a legal health check as an annual medical check-up, but for you and your family’s legal well-being. Bryony Wilmshurst, Cunningtons’ partner and a member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, explains:
Did you know that almost half of UK adults over 30 haven’t made a Will? This simple oversight leaves families across the country at risk of facing unnecessary challenges during an already difficult time.
Your Will: Keep it Current
A Will should be reviewed every five years or after any major life changes. These changes might include a marriage or civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, a birth, a death in your family, or if you or one of your beneficiaries has obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate.
Bryony emphasises the importance of having a valid Will for parents of young children:
Protect Your Future Choices
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 yourself. You can establish two types of LPA: one for Property and Financial Affairs, and another for Health and Welfare decisions.
Planning Ahead
Preparing for the unexpected is essential. Bryony advises creating a secure emergency document with essential contacts and key details for accessing important accounts. She also recommends documenting funeral wishes to reduce the emotional burden on loved ones during a difficult time.
Expert Help is Available
Where possible, Bryony recommends speaking to an experienced legal professional, such as a Lifetime Lawyer, to ensure that all your crucial documents are thorough, valid, and reflect your intentions accurately.
Ready to start your legal health check? Our expert and approachable team at Cunningtons is here to help make the process clear and straightforward.
You can contact one of our Wills and Probate specialists through our branches in Braintree, Brighton, Chelmsford, Croydon, Hornchurch, Solihull or Wickford.