Harriet Pugh, Solicitor

Make a will whilst you still have the mental capacity to do so; if you die without a will, your estate is unlikely to pass in accordance with your wishes. It is never too early to make a will.

Review your will regularly and in particular after significant life events (e.g. marriage, divorce, buying a house, having a child/children).

Consider Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) as these can be very helpful if you lose capacity to make your own decisions. If you do not prepare LPAs and lose capacity, then the process to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf will be more expensive and a much lengthier process.

Who should I appoint as the executors of my will?

These should be people that you trust to deal with your estate on your death, for example, you may wish to appoint your children or your siblings.

Is there any way I can avoid paying inheritance tax?

Everyone’s particular situation is different and although there are ways in which your liability to inheritance tax can be reduced, I can help look at your inheritance tax position and ensure careful planning is put in place.