Autumn: A Good Time to Put Your Private Affairs in Order
As the seasons change and autumn arrives, it can be a natural time to pause, reflect and make sure your personal and financial affairs are in order.
For private clients, there are several important areas that are worth reviewing regularly — particularly if your circumstances, family situation or financial position have changed during the year.
Review your Will
Your Will should reflect your current wishes and circumstances. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, a change in relationships, or changes to your assets can all be reasons to review your arrangements.
A Will that no longer reflects your circumstances may create unnecessary uncertainty for those you leave behind.
Consider Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
There are different types covering financial decisions and health and welfare. Putting these arrangements in place while you have capacity can provide valuable reassurance for both you and your family.
Review your property and financial affairs
If you have bought or sold property, received an inheritance, made significant investments or experienced other financial changes, autumn can be a useful point to review how these assets fit into your wider estate planning.
For business owners, it may also be appropriate to consider how business interests would be dealt with as part of your estate.
Think about inheritance and succession planning
Effective estate planning is not simply about what happens after your death. With the right advice, you may be able to plan ahead for the future, consider your family's needs and understand the potential implications of transferring wealth.
Every family's circumstances are different, which is why tailored legal advice is important.
Make time for the conversation
Private client planning can sometimes feel like something to put off until later. However, taking the time to review your affairs now can help avoid difficulties and uncertainty in the future.
This autumn, make time for what matters.
If you would like to review your Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate or succession arrangements, our private client team is here to provide clear, personal and practical legal advice.
Contact us on 0330 300 1103 or 01924 868933 or request a call-back.