To most of us talking about death is taboo. You might not want to think about what happens when you enter your last years of life, but if you don’t, you leave difficult decisions for those left behind. No-one knows when illness will strike but putting plans in place now and setting out your wishes means you take away the stress and worry from your family and friends.
Lee Young, Wills & Tax Partner, says “Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out – this will include your property, possessions and money – and who you want to benefit from this. An executor must be appointed to carry out the actions you have specified – this can be a friend or someone you trust or your solicitor can do this.”
Making choices about death and dying is best done when you are fit and healthy and none of us know when our time is up. It is a good time to consider what type of care you would prefer at the end of your life, and let people know if there are any spiritual or religious practices you would like carried out.
Although it is difficult to think about you may want to make decisions about any treatment you may receive when ill – are there any treatments you wouldn’t want to have, is there a point when you wouldn’t want to be resuscitated? To make these requests formal you can make an Advance Decision, sometimes as part of a Living Will, which allows you to set out exactly what treatments you do and don’t want to have. Similarly you can arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney, where you name someone to make decisions for you when you are not able to do so. This is a legal document confirming that the nominated person can deal with your property, health and finances.
For a free initial meeting please call 01202 499255 and Lee or a member of his team will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.
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