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Planning for the future doesn’t need to feel complicated or overwhelming. I am here to make the process simple, friendly, and affordable, helping you put the right plans in place for yourself and your loved ones.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you, the donor, to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so. You must be over 18 and have mental capacity at the time of setting one up. There are two types of LPA: Health and Welfare, and Property and Financial Affairs.
A Health and Welfare LPA can only be used once you no longer have capacity. It allows your chosen attorney, often a family member or friend, to make decisions about your daily routines, your medical care, and whether you might need to move into a care home.
It also gives them the authority to speak with professionals on your behalf and to decide about life-sustaining treatment if this is ever required. It is important to remember that this document must be completed while you still have capacity, even though it only comes into effect if you later lose capacity.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA deals with your money and your property. This can be used as soon as it is registered, provided you give your consent, and it allows your chosen attorney to manage bank accounts, pay bills, collect benefits or a pension, and even sell your home if necessary. Having this in place means your finances can continue to be managed smoothly without added stress for your loved ones.
Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take for your family. Many people believe that Wills are only for the wealthy, but this is not the case. Without a Will, strict legal rules decide how your money, property and possessions are divided, and this may not reflect your personal wishes.
If you are unmarried, your partner cannot automatically inherit from you unless you have made a Will, which could cause serious financial and emotional difficulties for them at an already difficult time. If you have children under 18, a Will is also essential to ensure arrangements are in place for their care should either or both parents pass away. A Will can also help with tax planning, as taking advice and planning may reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable.
Life changes over time, so it is important to revisit your Will regularly to make sure it still reflects your wishes and your circumstances.
A Trust is another option that can be included as part of your Will. Trusts provide additional protection for your assets and can help ensure that your loved ones are properly cared for.
Trusts are especially valuable for families who may face future care fees, for those in blended families where assets might otherwise pass away from the intended beneficiaries, or for those wishing to provide for a vulnerable or disabled loved one.
A Property Protection Trust can safeguard your estate against possible care fees. In blended families, a trust can prevent sideways disinheritance, where remarriage could otherwise divert assets away from your children.
A Disabled Persons Trust allows assets to be held and managed for a disabled family member, ensuring their care and financial needs are met while protecting their entitlement to means-tested benefits. Trusts are overseen by trustees, people you choose to carry out your wishes and safeguard the estate.
It is very easy to put off writing a Will or arranging Lasting Powers of Attorney, but life can change in an instant. By acting now, you protect yourself and your loved ones, and you make sure your wishes are respected. Planning ahead today removes uncertainty and stress in the future, offering comfort to you and security to the people who matter most.
I contacted Claire after seeing a post on Facebook by a friend. Claire contacted me by return and we arranged a zoom meeting a few days hence. During the meeting Claire explained in a clear and concise manner, the process, timescales and fees for preparing our Wills and Lasting powers of Attorney. We have been kept informed throughout the process and received our documents in a timely manner. I have no hesitation in recommending Ahead of Time Legal Consultants for anyone considering their life planning.
Claire often attends the coffee mornings for our residents offering free advice and information with regards to Wills Lasting Power of Attorneys and advise with regards to the local authority and funding.
A few of our residents have used her service and have been happy with the timely outcome and Claire’s approach.
Totally blown away, Claire came to my place of work to discuss Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys. I have never seen her in 'work mode' she certainly knows her stuff! Very professional and puts everyone at ease.
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