Colin Murphy from Backhouse Solicitors writes with some advice on reviewing your legal affairs …

As the days start to get colder and the nights draw in, now is the perfect time to ensure your legal affairs and those of your loved ones are in order, especially if you are caring for elderly relatives.

Lasting Powers of Attorney – The impact of COVID has meant that Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are more important than ever. If you (or a family member) become incapacitated and not mentally fit to make decisions, you need to know that trusted family members can step in to help. We strongly recommend putting in place LPAs for both Financial Decisions and Health and Care Decisions to cover all the important decisions that will need to be made following an accident or ill health. Trusted loved ones will then be able to act for you immediately and without the need for a costly and time-consuming application to the Court of Protection.

Wills – If you have a Will, check that it’s up to date and still suits your wishes and circumstances. Have you bought a house, got married or divorced, had children, suffered a bereavement or faced another big life change? These are all events that could impact your wishes for the future. If you don’t have a Will, you should seriously consider putting one in place as your estate won’t necessarily pass to your loved ones as you would expect, especially if you aren’t married.

Care Packages – If you care for others, make sure any package is suitable for their needs. If they receive local authority assistance, check that any financial assessment is up to date so that they are getting the financial help they deserve.

For more information and to give your legal affairs a thorough check over, contact us today – we are here to help.

Colin Murphy, Director and Solicitor, Private Client Department

Backhouse Solicitors, 17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JU.
Telephone us on 01245 893400 or Email us at info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk.