Peace of Mind Through COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many families and households across the UK in so many different ways. Some people have sadly lost loved ones, whereas others may have lost their livelihoods as a result of the financial impact of the situation.
With the UK Government recently implementing a third national lockdown in England to ease mounting pressure on the NHS, unfortunately the general public can expect Coronavirus to remain part of our lives for some time to come.
Although it is positive to hear that UK is now rolling out vaccines to help combat the spread of Coronavirus and defeat the virus it is clear uncertain times will remain for sometime.
This is also compounded by the fact that the Job Retention Scheme (Furlough Scheme) is due to come to an end in April 2021. It is now more important than ever to ensure your affairs are in order, offering both you and your family piece of mind.
Here are a few ways you can keep your affairs in order throughout these uncertain times:
Making a Will
The current death rate from COVID-19 in the UK sadly passed the 100,000 mark this week and worryingly this number is expected to continue to rise throughout 2021.
In order to ensure a person’s affairs are in order when they die it is recommended that they have a will.
Making a will can be simple and straightforward and may cost less than you think. You can deal with your finances, appoint executors, create trusts and appoint guardians for your children.
It is particularly important to make a will if you are unmarried or if you have children who are under 18. Without a will you leave matters to chance and the law.
Making a Power of Attorney
Your will speaks from your death and comes into operation then. What if you are incapacitated before then?
Coronavirus affects everyone in different ways, some people who have contracted the virus have found themselves hospitalised and incapacitated.
Alternatively, if you were to have a stroke or develop dementia at any point in your life, your executors would have no power to manage your affairs while you are alive.
It is important to plan ahead and have a properly drafted and effective Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place as “insurance” in case the worst happens. An LPA for property and affairs would cover for example paying bills, collecting pensions and generally looking after your affairs.
An LPA for health and welfare can cover personal matters such as where you live, care plans and end of life issues. Before it can be used the LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
We would recommend you register an LPA straight away after it has been signed. This can avoid delays later. Once registered the LPA can be kept in a safe place until needed.
How Can I Make an Appointment?
Our “virtual office” remains open and our staff are able to home work securely and effectively. We are able to take instructions from clients via telephone, Facetime and Zoom instead of the conventional face to face meeting.
Contact
Please find out further information on our Wills, Probate and Life Planning pages and contact the team if you require any further assistance or a quote on 0191 243 8167 or email hayley.baker@davidgray.co.uk.
