Greenwich Solicitors

FAQs for Ealing Elderly Client Services

Can home visits be arranged for elderly clients?

Yes they can.  Our elderly client services are specifically tailored to the needs of our clients.  If you are unable to come to our offices, we would be more than happy to arrange a home visit.

How can I make a will?

Many people choose to make a will using a DIY will kit.  The problem with this approach is that you may miss out key legal requirements, making the will invalid and worthless.  A professional wills solicitor will make sure that all the legal requirements are fulfilled.  Solicitors will also be covered by indemnity insurance in the case anything goes wrong.

What are the requirements of a legally valid will?

For a will to be legally valid, it should be:

• In writing
• Witnessed by persons who are capable of acting in that capacity

Who can act as a witness?

To act as a witness, a person must be:

• Mentally capable and understand the consequences of witnessing a will
• Fully sighted

In addition, they cannot be a beneficiary under the will (persons who will benefit from the will).

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed among family and friends according to government laws (intestate laws).  If no one eligible can be tracked down, the estate will go to the government (the ‘Crown’).

As intestate laws distribute estates according to mechanical rules, it is quite likely that your estate will be divided in a manner quite different from the one you intended.  Your loved ones will also inherit less as wills can make tax efficient trusts.  For these reasons, it is important to make a will.

What are executors?

Executors are persons who have the power to deal with and distribute the assets of a deceased’s person’s will.  They are usually expressly appointed in the will.  Before appointing someone as an executor, you need to make sure that they are happy to act in that capacity and are trustworthy.  For this reason, close friends and family members are usually appointed.

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney?

Lasting Powers of Attorney are persons who have powers to act on behalf of someone who has mentally incapable of taking care of their own affairs.  There are two types:

Property and Affairs – takes care of an incapacitated person’s financial affairs, including bank account management and sales of property.

Personal Welfare – takes care of an incapacitated person’s welfare, including living and care arrangements and medical issues.

How are LPAs appointed?

Your express permission and the court’s permission are required.