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Individual

Wills, Powers of Attorney and planning for what comes next.

Succession planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney and general advice on personal and family issues, tailored to you.

Succession planning

Planning for an individual or a business is not always straightforward, and we recognise there is no "one size fits all" approach. We give advice tailored to your circumstances and your business, and dovetail it with appropriate tax advice.

Succession planning applies to businesses and individuals alike, and when we undertake it we always recommend a review of your own Will and Powers of Attorney.

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Wills

Whoever you are, you should have a Will so that the people you want to inherit your belongings and assets do. We often meet clients who tell us "I must get my Will updated" or "I've been meaning to make a Will now that I have children". It is important that your Will reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

Making a Will really is a straightforward, relatively inexpensive process that can be completed in a short space of time for most people. It means your family is provided for in the way you would wish, and it spares them added heartache and cost at what will undoubtedly be a difficult time.

Powers of Attorney

Granting someone you trust the legal right to act on your behalf when you are no longer able to is becoming almost as important as having a Will.

When we ask people "do you have a Power of Attorney?" the reply is often "no, I don't need that yet". It is not something to leave until you think you may be starting to lose capacity. If that situation does arise, you and your family should be able to focus on your health, not on whether the bank will let your partner access your account or your broadband provider will let them make changes.

A Power of Attorney is a document we recommend everyone has in place now. We sincerely hope it is never required, but we don't know what is around the corner, and it is best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We can help you prepare a personal Power of Attorney appointing people you trust to act on your behalf, if required.

Free download

Power of Attorney information leaflet

Our printable guide (PDF), also available to pick up from the office.

Download PDF

Your questions answered

What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a document in writing, signed by you, giving someone authority to make decisions, take action and sign things on your behalf. You choose the person or people you want to act for you, and the control you want them to have.
Can my husband, wife, partner, children or business partner not just make decisions for me?
No. No one has an automatic right to make decisions for you. There must be a written legal link between you and your chosen Attorney. No legal link means no legal powers.
Who should I choose to be my Attorney?
You decide. You can pick anyone you wish: a family member, friend or solicitor. It is always best to pick someone you trust to make the right decisions for you. You can choose different people to be your Attorney for different powers.
What types of Power of Attorney are there?
There are two types: financial and welfare. A financial attorney is also called a continuing attorney. They deal with your financial affairs and can act on your behalf both before and after you lose the capacity to act for yourself.
What happens once it has been signed?
We recommend it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Once registered, it remains valid even if the law changes in the future. We hope it never needs to be used, but it is invaluable if it ever is.
What will it cost?
Costs vary with your personal circumstances, so please contact us for a full breakdown. For example, if you are a couple and you both make a Power of Attorney at the same time, there is a further discount. All quotes are free and there is no obligation to proceed.
What happens if I die without a Will?
The law of intestacy governs what happens, and in our experience it rarely matches how you would have shared out your belongings. For example, without a Will anyone who inherits your estate would receive their inheritance at the age of 16.

For more information or advice, contact us or call 01556 502 764.

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Talk it through with us

For an informal discussion about your requirements, call the office or send us a message. We can meet at The Old Exchange, or visit you at your home or place of work.

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