Tom Hazlewood, Solicitor

Ask any questions you have. There is no such thing as a silly question, and if you don’t ask, you won’t know.

While we all hope for the best, it is important to be prepared. Wills, lasting powers of attorney, residential declarations of trust – they can all be very valuable if things go wrong.

The decisions you make when preparing formal documents is often a question of risk. What are the chances of something happening – and would you be happy with the outcome if something did happen?

Can my chosen executors also benefit under my will?
Yes, if you want them to. Often, the people you trust most to carry out the role of executor are those who you would likely wish to benefit from your estate when you die. There is no reason they cannot do so.

Should I put both types of lasting power of attorney in place?
Yes – it’s always best to have both types in place to be fully protected as they cover different decisions.

Do I have to use a solicitor?
Sound legal advice is invaluable in these situations. Without it, you are less likely to be aware of an issue or have a chance to prepare for it. However, there is no requirement to use a solicitor.