Who will make the important decisions if you are no longer able?

Arrange your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney

A will is a legal document that allows you to state what should happen to your assets when you die. Without a will, there is no guarantee your wishes will be carried out, or that your estate will go to those intended. In spite of this, according to research by the Office of the Public Guardian, an estimated 60 per cent of UK adults don’t have one in place. Peace of mind

Whatever your circumstances, it’s important to make arrangements for the future. Preparing a will can give you and your family peace of mind, helping to ensure your assets are protected and your loved ones are taken care of when you’re gone. A will is relatively straightforward to arrange and can make a difficult and emotional time that bit easier for your family.

Planning ahead

Another important part of planning for later life is setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). An LPA allows you to appoint the * people you trust the most to make important decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to. Without an LPA, your loved ones must apply to the Court of Protection for permission to manage your affairs — a lengthy and costly process. There are two types of LPA: property and financial affairs and health and welfare. The first covers your finances, such as dealing with bank/utility providers or even collecting benefits on your behalf. It also covers your property and what will happen to it. The second can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions. It covers choices about your medical care, treatment and care type.