Some of the most important conversations with our families are also the ones we can be most reluctant to have. 

What would you want to happen if you could no longer make decisions for yourself? Who would you trust to make decisions about your finances or care? What would happen to your children and your home if something happened to you? 

The people close to you may think they know what you would want, but they can’t always know. Talking about your wishes while you are able to make your own decisions can help give you and your family greater certainty about the future. 

Why should you talk to your family about the future now? 

Planning ahead doesn’t mean having to discuss everything at once. It could simply mean making sure the people closest to you understand what matters to you and know whether you have made any legal arrangements. 

You might want to talk about where important documents are kept, who you would trust to make decisions on your behalf, or what you would want to happen to your estate. 

These conversations can then help you decide whether you need to put arrangements such as a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney in place. 

What happens if you can no longer make decisions for yourself? 

An accident, serious illness or other unexpected event can mean that you are unable to make your own decisions, either temporarily or permanently. While Lasting Powers of Attorney are often associated with planning for conditions that affect those in later life, the need for one can arise at any age. 

Your family may know what you would want, but they don’t automatically have the legal authority to act on your behalf. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make certain decisions for you. 

There are two types: 

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA, covering matters such as money, property and finances. 

• Health and Welfare LPA, covering decisions about care and welfare. 

An LPA must be made while you have the mental capacity to make your own decisions. If you wait until you are unable to make the decision yourself, it is too late to make one. 

What about your Will? 

A Will sets out what you would like to happen to your estate after you die, including who should inherit your money, property and possessions and who should deal with your estate. 

If you have children under 18, it can also include your wishes about who should look after them if something happens to you. 

Your family may think they know what you would want, but a legally valid Will provides much greater certainty. It should also be reviewed when your circumstances change, such as after marriage, divorce, having children or a significant change in your finances. 

Why are these conversations worth having? 

Talking about losing the ability to make decisions or what happens after death isn’t always easy. But having the conversation now means you can explain what matters to you while you’re able to do so. 

It can also give your family the opportunity to ask questions and understand your wishes, rather than having to make assumptions later. 

You don’t have to make every decision at once. Starting the conversation can simply be the first step towards deciding what arrangements are right for you. 

Putting your plans in place 

Once you’ve started talking about the future, you may want to consider whether you need to make or update a Will or put Lasting Powers of Attorney in place. 

Our specialist Wills and Probate team can explain your options and help you put the appropriate arrangements in place – Call or Email our experts today.