Lockdown Part 3 - Leeds Day Solicitors

Leeds Day

Lockdown Part 3

Happy New Year to all from Leeds Day! Since the first lockdown we have had to adapt to a different working lifestyle. We are taking appointments remotely and offering our full services as normal.

What services does the Wills and Estate Planning Team offer? Wills

A Will is an important document which allows your loved ones to know what your last wishes are and name those trusted to take care of your estate when you are no longer here. In the event that you already have a Will in place then it would be advisable to review your Will. You may have prepared your Will when you did not have any children/grandchildren/new partner and so wish to include them. Alternatively, you may not wish to include someone in your Will and this will need to be amended in the correct manner. Another example would be if you had a Will in place but have married or re-married. This would mean that your Will may be revoked and is no longer valid. As a general rule of thumb you should review your Will every 5 years.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

An LPA is a document drawn up in relation to Property & Financial affairs or Health & Welfare decisions. Within both LPAs you can appoint a named person (Attorney) to deal with the above should you lose your mental/physical capacity. This is an important duty that your attorney(s) may need to carry out. Both documents are quite self-explanatory in terms of what they relate to, however please see the breakdown below Property & Finance may cover decisions relating to • managing a bank or building society account • paying bills • collecting benefits or a pension • selling a property Health & Welfare may cover decisions relating to • your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating • medical care • moving into a care home • life-sustaining treatment

Deputy Applications

If there is not an LPA in place and you do not have the capacity to make your own decisions then an application to the Court of Protection will be required. This can be a lengthy and time consuming process but our team are experienced in dealing with these applications.

Estate Administration

When a loved one passes away it is a difficult time and when you are appointed as an Executor it may be even more difficult to deal with their affairs. We can assist with obtaining a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration for you or alternatively we can assist with the whole process involved with estate administration. Again, our team are experienced in the estate administration process and happy to guide Executors where necessary.

As a reminder all these services and many more can be provided remotely. For further advice please contact Leeds Day on 0844 567 2222 or email wills@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website www.leedsday.co.uk

Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 St. Ives 11 Station Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5BH T: 01480 464600 St. Neots Xenus House, Sandpiper Court, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8EP T: 01480 474661