Powers of Attorney (PoA) and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) provide peace of mind that, should you become unable to make decisions yourself, a trusted person you have chosen will act on your behalf. They will be able to manage your affairs in line with your wishes, ensuring important matters are handled with care and responsibility.

When someone dies, everything they own - known as their estate - must be carefully managed and distributed in accordance with their wishes as set out in their will. This process involves not only passing assets to the chosen beneficiaries but also handling debts, taxes and legal formalities along the way. For many, this can be a daunting and emotional task, especially during a time of grief.

When a loved one passes away, going through the process of administering their estate will always be emotional and complex. But when the original will cannot be found, the situation becomes even more difficult - raising questions about the deceased’s true intentions and creating uncertainty for those left behind.

After talking to clients about the planning of their affairs, we at Walker Foster discovered a common misunderstanding over the difference between an executor and an attorney.

When discussing lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) with clients, usually their immediate concern is appointing an attorney to deal with their personal affairs. But this overlooks another key question: who would run your business if you were ill, or had an accident and lost capacity?

In this blog, Walker Foster’s Wills and Probate Executive Cay Schofield shares her insights into the various planning arrangements, and how each of them can help to provide clarity and security for you and your family.

When clients come to us to discuss their Wills, they often express a common concern: “How can I avoid the need for a Grant of Probate? I want to make things easier for my family.”

We’re often asked ‘why should I make a Will?’