We all want to protect our loved ones during this strange and uncertain time. Many people continue to work from home, schools are due to reopen but we’ve see local lockdowns and tighter restrictions in some areas.

So what steps can you put in place to protect yourself and your loved ones?

Lasting powers of attorney

Lasting powers of attorney allow you to appoint attorneys to look after you and your assets in case you cannot do so yourself. There are two types of lasting powers of attorney, one for finances and property and another for health and welfare. We suggest:

• Locate lasting powers of attorney and making sure they’re registered. Your attorneys may need to use them or you may need to use powers to look after your loved ones, so make sure you know where powers of attorney are and that they have been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
• If you have a registered LPA prepared by us and would like to start using it, please contact us so that we may arrange to release certified copies to you for your use.
• If you don’t already have one, make new lasting powers of attorney to ensure someone can manage your affairs if you’re not able to. Check with loved ones to see if they need to make powers of attorney so you or someone else can step in if needed. – Please note, however, that the process of preparing and registering a Lasting Power of Attorney can take around 10 weeks and the document cannot be used until is has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Wills

It’s important to have an up to date Will. It ensures the right people inherit from your estate and avoids unnecessary delays and costs. We suggest:

• Reviewing your will to make sure it is up to date and reflects your wishes. Make sure your loved ones know where to find your will in case it is needed.
• Making a will if you haven’t already done so. Hopefully it won’t be needed for some time, but at least you have peace of mind that something is in place.

Compiling key information and documents

Make a physical or electronic file explaining where important documents (e.g. your will and powers of attorney) are (e.g. with a solicitor or bank), with a list of assets and who to contact (e.g. bank accounts, investment portfolios, pensions, life insurance) and recording important information (e.g. login details and passwords). Keep these safe and make sure your relatives know how to access them.

Our team is here to help. If there is anything we can do, please get in touch on 01484 821 300.