Not having a Will or Lasting Powers of Attorney
Firstly, I feel so strongly that you should do this you can obtain a voucher from us towards the costs of arranging these vital tools!
Most people don’t think a Will is necessary, especially if they are the right side of 40. As for ‘Lasting Powers of Attorney’ – “what’s one of those”?
Lets deal with a few myths first.
1. Making a Will does not as far as we know lead to early death.
2. Making a Will can be as complicated or a simple as you want – don’t let anyone (including a Solicitor) persuade you otherwise.
3. Making a Will is a job for a professional Solicitor are best, Will Writers are OK if they know what they are doing. Leave the do it yourself solutions alone. Incorrectly written Wills make the Solicitors more money than drafting Wills!
4. Wills are for rich people.
The bottom line is that if you don’t get what you want after you have gone written down, know one will know. The process of unravelling your affairs could take years and cost what little you left in legal fees. And then there is the delay in the proceeds of any benefits getting to your loved ones, including life assurance. The law will decide who gets what and that may include some debts.
DO IT TODAY AND USE OUR FREE VOUCHER!
Until recently, these were called Enduring Powers or Attorney. The new Lasting Powers of Attorney is said to be easier to administer if it is needed.
Basically, a Lasting Power of Attorney is a document produced by a Solicitor and it allows a nominated person to act for you and administer your affairs. Most people think these are for old people in case they ‘loose their marbles’. However, here is a real life example:
Mr A is 30 years old and married with two young children. He was involved in a near fatal car crash. No other vehicle was involved. Initially he lay in a hospital for a month in a state of unconsciousness after sustaining serious head injuries. He awoke from his coma but it was apparent his injuries were permanent and he would never be able to look after himself again as he has suffered permanent brain damage. He cannot communicate or sign his name, much less earn a living.
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney his wife had to go through the courts to obtain the necessary consent to run the family finances (many of which were in joint names) on her own. Much time and money could have been saved had they had a Lasting Power of Attorney when they had their Wills written. Ask the Solicitor who did your Will about one of these today.