Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney

Wills

A will is a legal document that sets forth your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and the care of any minor children, and an up-to-date will prepared by a solicitor is a must. If you don’t currently have a will, your loved ones may not receive the assets you wish to leave them in the event of your death. AJC Law is here to help you if you are worried about arrangements for your family, inheritance tax or paying for care in old age. We have the specialist knowledge to give you appropriate advice, tailored to your own needs. We will look at ways to help you mitigate or avoid future liabilities to inheritance tax through trusts and careful estate planning. Our wills and probate experts deliver their services in whichever way is most convenient for you, either online, by telephone, in our offices or in your own home. Actually deciding to write your Will is the hardest part, by working with us we make it simple and straightforward for you.

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA)

A lasting power of attorney gives someone else the power to make certain decisions on your behalf, typically if you are no longer able to do so, usually through ill health of some sort or another. Drawing up an LPA gives you the opportunity to decide who you would like to do this for you and include any particular wishes or restrictions. Usually a close relative, friend or solicitor is appointed by you as “attorney” and you can cancel the arrangement at any time. Power of attorney only applies if you are fully aware of the implications of the arrangement. It ends if you become mentally incapable of managing your own affairs. There are two types of LPAs, which can be entered into separately or together. A Property and Affairs LPA relates to property, finances and other assets. A Health and Personal Welfare LPA relates to decisions regarding where the donor lives, day-to-day care, diet, dress and medical treatment. An LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before use, and can be registered at any time whatever the mental capacity of the donor. A registration fee is payable to the Office of the Public Guardian. If you are asked to act as an attorney, you should think carefully about whether you will be prepared to take on the responsibility as once you do it is essential that you fulfil the role to the best of your ability. AJC Law are happy to discuss the implications with you.