Every year, January brings with it an opportunity for a fresh start. But while many of us start the year by creating resolutions like setting fitness goals or tackling clutter, there’s one essential area that often gets overlooked, organising our legal affairs and planning for a legally sound year ahead.
Estate planning may seem like a daunting task. But taking the time to address important matters, such as drafting a will or setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), provides lasting peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Not only does it ensure your wishes are carried out, but it also protects your family from the stress and uncertainty that can arise during difficult and emotional times.
By the time you’ve finished reading this guide created for you by the Private Client team at Tallents Solicitors, you’ll understand the key reasons to get started on your estate planning today and see just how straightforward the process can be with our help.
Why you should plan ahead
Safeguard your family’s future
Nobody likes to think about life’s uncertainties, but having legal documents in place relieves your family of uncertainty during emotionally challenging times. By leaving clear instructions, you make it easier for your loved ones to focus on what truly matters, like supporting one another.
Protect your assets
Without a valid will, the rules of intestacy will decide how your estate is divided. This could mean your hard-earned savings and possessions are distributed in ways that don’t align with your preferences. Estate planning with a valid will empowers you to determine how your assets will be allocated, ensuring your wishes are respected.
Ease the financial burden on your loved ones
A well-crafted valid will isn’t just about leaving money to loved ones, it can also help reduce any inheritance tax liabilities. Proactive estate planning ensures your wills and lifetime planning are more tax efficient, allowing your beneficiaries to receive the greatest possible benefit from your estate.
Choose who makes decisions for you
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney gives you control over who handles your personal and financial matters if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. It’s a vital way to ensure your affairs are managed by someone you trust, according to your wishes if you can’t.
Breaking the myths around will writing and LPAs
It’s not uncommon for people to feel nervous about writing a will or setting up an LPA. At Tallents Solicitors our experienced professionals have helped thousands of people get their affairs in order, simply and easily. However, there are many common fears associated with estate planning which simply aren’t true, so let’s look at some of them.
- “I’m too young to need a will.”
At any age, having a valid will is the single most important document you’ll ever sign. Whether you’re 30 or 70, it’s critical to ensure your loved ones are provided for in the way you intend. It’s also your way of continuing to support them execute your wishes at a time of great emotional stress. Having a will if you have minor children is just as important as having a will in later life.
- “It’s too complicated or expensive.”
Modern legal services, like those we offer at Tallents Solicitors, make writing a will or entering into LPAs easier and more affordable than you might think. We even have a simple quotation service for will writing and LPAs on our website, which you can easily use. Just navigate to the top of this page and the link is in our header.
Alternatively, you can call us at one of our three offices in Newark, Southwell or Mansfield and make a convenient appointment to discuss your personal circumstances. All our contact details are on this page.
- “My family will know what I want.”
Verbal wishes are not legally recognised in the UK. Without a valid will or LPA, your preferences may go unheard, leaving loved ones with added stress and potential disputes to try and resolve.
Our experienced legal team at Tallents Solicitors is dedicated to making the will writing and LPA drafting process straightforward and stress-free, no legal jargon or unnecessary complexity, just our expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.
Steps to set started on a legally sound year
Organising your legal affairs might feel overwhelming but breaking it into manageable steps can make all the difference. And with the help of our legal teams, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
- Draft a will
A will is the most critical document in any estate plan. This legal document outlines how you want your assets distributed, who will take care of minor children, and even what happens to your digital assets like emails and social media accounts in the event of your death.
- Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about how to split your estate or need help with inheritance tax (IHT) efficiency, a solicitor specialising in wills can provide invaluable advice. We also have a team at Tallents Solicitors who can offer specialised advice regarding IHT.
- Set up Lasting Power of Attorney
An LPA allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. You can create an LPA for financial matters, personal health, or both.
- Pro Tip: Many people nominate a family member to be their Attorney, but it’s equally important to ensure they fully understand the responsibilities involved. Our team can help you and them understand the responsibilities of your Attorneys.
- Review your estate plans regularly
Life changes around us, whether it’s getting married, having children or grandchildren, or making significant financial decisions, all of these are good reasons to revisit your will and LPA regularly. At Tallents Solicitors we recommend you update your legal documents following any significant life events, or at least every five years, to reflect any changes in your circumstances.
- Organise supporting documents
Keep key paperwork such as pension statements, insurance policies, and property deeds in a secure yet accessible location. Share the location of these documents with your executor or trusted family members for ease of reference.
- Seek professional guidance
Working with an accredited solicitor ensures your documents adhere to legal standards and prevents issues that could arise from DIY or homemade wills. Tallents Solicitors is proud to offer accredited and trusted estate planning services under the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS).
- Pro Tip: Clients often find value in combining will writing with LPA setup to ensure both are covered efficiently.
The benefits of writing a will or LPA go far beyond peace of mind
By taking control of your legal affairs now, you unlock benefits that extend beyond the tangible.
- Provide clarity and comfort – your loved ones will know exactly what your wishes are and how to proceed, there will be no guesswork required.
- Minimise confusion – clear legal documentation reduces the likelihood of disputes or administrative delays.
- Empower your legacy – be proactive about how your assets are used, whether supporting family, friends, or charitable causes you care deeply about.
At the end of the day, planning ahead is not about being morbid, it’s about making thoughtful decisions that reflect the life you’ve built and the values you hold dear.
Start the year right
2025 has already begun, so now is the time to take the practical steps needed to secure your future and protect the people you love the most.
Our team at Tallents Solicitors is here to help make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. Whether you need a will, a Lasting Power of Attorney, or both, we will work with you to ensure your needs are met with professionalism and care.
Book your consultation with us today and move into 2025 with confidence. Appointments are available at our Newark, Southwell and Mansfield offices.
