DEMENTIA...What have you done about it?

Someone in the UK is diagnosed with Dementia every three seconds!

That is an absolutely staggering statistic and one that many of us know, or have heard but still don’t realise the enormity of it…until it affects us personally (whether that be by a diagnosis to us or a close family or friend).

Although, at present, there is no cure for Dementia (or prevention!), there are steps that we can take to reduce our risk – why not check out our website DementiaTLC.co.uk – for some tips and advice.

There are also measures that we can put in place to help protect us should we lose capacity, Lasting Powers of Attorney for Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs.

For many, the thought of appointing Attorneys to act for them is overwhelming and the thought of tempting fate is just a bit too much, HOWEVER…what if that step isn’t taken?

Capacity isn’t only lost by those with their affairs in order, it can hit any of us at any stage of our lives.

One major question for our clients is…who is the right person to choose as your Attorney?

Well, you don’t just have to pick one! You can pick up to four and you can also appoint replacement Attorneys should your Attorneys be unable to act.

Attorneys should be the people you know and trust the most to make the decisions you would have made had you had the capacity to do so. Thus common choices are, a spouse, siblings, children (over the age of 18), cousins, close friends and other family members.

There is no right answer or ‘one size fits all’.

Once you have your Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, you have the peace of mind knowing that should something awful happen and you be left without capacity (whether temporarily or permanently), you have the people that you trust most in the world to look after your decisions and ensure that your affairs are in order and kept in the way you would have wanted.

We can help ensure the process is smooth and efficient as possible, going through all of your questions and even speaking with your Attorneys if you would find this useful. We can manage the entire process and ensure that your Lasting Powers of Attorney are registered and available for you to use when you need them most.

If you would like a FREE chat to discuss your options, get in touch on info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk or 01727 865 121

Leah Waller

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Can I make a valid Will during COVID-19?

This is a question that we are getting asked almost on a daily basis, so…

Can you make a valid Will during COVID-19?

Firstly, what does a ‘valid Will’ mean and secondly, why does that matter?

BUT, if you are short on time, YES! You can still make a valid Will during COVID-19.

There has been a lot of speculation in the media, recently, about whether some of the legal obligations surrounding the making of Wills should be relaxed in the current circumstances, but as of yet this has NOT happened and so, for the facts:

In order for a Will to be valid there are some legalities that must be followed and in place, including:

The person making the Will, sometimes termed as the Testator, must be 18 years of age or over (save for some very rare exceptions);

The Will must have been made voluntarily;

You must be of sound mind (and have capacity) when making your Will;

The Will must be in writing;

The Will must be signed by you, the Testator, in the presence of two witnesses, both of whom are over the age of 18;

Both witnesses to your signature must also sign the Will in your presence;

The Witnesses should not be a beneficiary, or your spouse, as any gifts to them within the Will would then fail.

This may seem like a lot to consider, especially given the current circumstances that we are living in.

However, we are still working and able to take instructions, draft and witness valid Wills during this time.

So, why is it important to have a valid Will in place?

Only if the Will is valid, can it be accepted by the Probate registry and used to follow your wishes and distribute your Estate following your death.

We are always available for a free consultation, so if you want to check your existing Will, have any questions or put a new Will in place, get in touch.

For a free consultation, please call us on 01727 865121 or drop us an email Info@TotalLegacyCare.co.uk

Leah Waller

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want to book a
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Month: May 2020