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Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney
Did you know that according to a study* over 70% of the UK adult population do not have a valid Will.
Additionally** the onset of early dementia is increasing among 25 – 40 year olds and with an estimated 1.0 million UK citizens likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s by 2025 – the need for setting up a robust legal protection framework has never been greater.
At Buckingham James we offer a complete estate planning service that includes Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney’s.
Here are just a few reasons why it is important to consider both:
You need a Will because;
It is wrongly assumed that your immediate family will automatically receive any assets from your estate. A will ensures that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes.
If you die without a Will (intestate) then the Laws of Intestacy will determine who inherits your estate (money and assets).
Without a Will – it can be a long and complicated process to distribute assets. This can cause rifts in some families where one party remembers being “promised” a particular heirloom. A will clarifies who is entitled to what.
A Will can grant you the peace of mind of knowing that you have safeguarded the future of your loved ones.
You need Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) because;
An LPA ensures that if you suffer a debilitating illness or accident and unable to make decisions for yourself and your wellbeing – your finances and your healthcare wishes will be exercised in accordance with instructions you made while in a fit and healthy state of mind.
In other words; it is far better for your longer term wellbeing to make an LPA while in a fit state of mind rather than leaving it to others to make potentially life changing decisions on your behalf following the onset of a major terminal illness or irreversible state of incapacity.
Buckingham James offer full guidance and a sensitive approach to these two most pressing and urgent situations that could be less expensive than going to a Solicitor.
Sources:
* https://oratto.co.uk/blog/wills/30-million-adults-in-britain-do-not-have-a-will
** https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/younger-people-with-dementia
NB: Wills & Estate Planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.