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.

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 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.

A disinherited daughter was awarded provision from a £1.75m estate, highlighting why keeping your Will updated is essential to avoid disputes and claims.

Planning for the future often involves considering what might happen if you are no longer able to manage your own affairs.

Being named as an executor in a will is a significant responsibility, and one that often arises during a difficult and emotional time. Whether you have personally been appointed to the role, or are a beneficiary looking to understand more about the process, it is common to have questions about what the executor’s role involves and what legal powers they hold.

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?