Avoiding Common Pitfalls

It’s easy to make mistakes when drafting Wills and Powers of Attorney. Most of the time,

those mistakes can be sorted out relatively easily by your executors or attorneys. However,

sometimes mistakes can lead to delays, distress and expense.

These are common errors –

Putting it off. No one likes to think about their own death, or mental demise. But it’s
important to get your ducks in a row. Dying intestate (without a Will) means that the
standard intestacy rules will apply to your estate; those work perfectly well, but will not
mean that your actual wishes are followed. Similarly, losing the capacity to make your own decisions before making a Lasting Power of Attorney can lead to delay in receiving appropriate healthcare, or someone you wouldn’t have chosen making important decisions about you.
Choosing executors/attorneys without asking. It can be a bit of a shock to find out you’re someone’s executor if they didn’t tell you! Besides that, telling your executors and attorneys will often lead to a proper discussion about what your wishes are.
Forgetting assets abroad or online. This is becoming more common now that we all lead
digital lives. We can guide you through this, to make sure everything is covered.
Not updating after major events. See our guidance on this [here]
Using DIY templates without advice

Your Wills Team can make sure your Will, Trusts, and LPAs are watertight and reflect your

wishes.

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