It is almost impossible to guess the circumstances in which we are going to pass away. Although we may not own anything of value or great sums in our savings account, we could have children that need guardians, a death in service at work that will form part of our estate, a pension to claim or even a holiday insurance claim should something happen abroad.

If your circumstances are straightforward, writing your own will may be the answer. There are many guides available online or from WHSmith. Alternatively, if you are over the age of 55, many solicitors take part in Free Will Writing Month once or twice a year.

What to include in a will?

• Who is going to look after your estate after your death (executors)

• Who should look after children under the age of 18

• Who would you like to benefit from your estate

• Who should benefit from your estate if your beneficiaries die before you

What to include in a will?

• You must be over 18

• Sign it in the presence of 2 witnesses who are both over 18

• Have it signed by your 2 witnesses, in your presence

Note: your witnesses can not be beneficiaries in your will

Family units are more diverse than ever before, made up of, step relations, half-siblings and family members we sadly no longer have contact with. Writing a will can reflect a family situation to ensure family members are protected.

Consider professional advice when:

• Your estate could be taxable

• There are vulnerable beneficiaries

• You are disinheriting close family members

• You have overseas assets

• You own business assets

Hints and tips for will writing

• Ensure your executor knows where your will is being held

• File a copy of your will with your paperwork

• If you are writing your own will check it is valid by a local solicitor

• Never unfasten/unstaple an original will

Many of us have experienced the frustration of trying to sort out a bill on someone’s behalf to find the company won’t speak to us as we aren’t the account holder. Imagine trying to look after someone’s entire life with this restriction, challenging?

This is why many people choose to appoint an attorney (one or more) to be able to act on their behalf should they lose capacity and be unable to handle their affairs themselves.

There are two types of LPA:

• Property and Financial Affairs

• Personal Welfare

You can appoint more than one attorney, who can look after your affairs either jointly or severely, meaning that they can act with one signature or alternatively require all attorneys to agree before decisions are made.

No matter how young or old you are, the best time to appoint an attorney is when you are fit and able to do so. Should capacity be lost without these provisions in place, the process of applying through the court (deputyship order), is costly and emotionally distressing for those trying to help their loved one.

Similar to writing your own will, this is a process you can do yourself. The government website has the application forms available to complete.

Solicitors and estate planning specialists provide the service of drafting and registering LPA on your behalf, of course at a cost. The benefit of having a professional handle the application on your behalf is that they will be familiar with the process and documents, taking away the stress and concern of incorrectly completing the forms.