While planning for the end of our lives is not always easy to think about, making the right plans now will give you peace of mind, and sharing your views will help to make things easier for your loved ones when the time comes.
‘We have certainly recently seen an increase in people wishing to make a will or update an old will, and prepare other legal documents’ says Wendy Mustard wills, trusts and estate planning solicitor with Richard Reed Solicitors in Sunderland. ‘This is an opportunity to think about how you wish to be treated and cared for, the legacy you will leave and how you might like your life to be celebrated.’
Here are some key things to discuss with your family or a legal advisor:
Choosing executors or attorneys
Your executors will be appointed in your Will and will deal with the administration of your estate after you die. It is vital that your executor is somebody who you trust. Discussing your wishes with them can help to ensure you are appointing the right person. Even once appointed, an executor can decline to act so you should make sure you ask them first and that they understand what the role involves.
The role of attorney is quite different from the role of executor. An attorney is appointed under a power of attorney and can make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. An Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney allows attorneys to make decisions for you if you do not have mental capacity to do it yourself.
Attorneys appointed in an EPA or LPA must adhere to strict guidelines when dealing with your affairs, including involving you in the decisions they make on your behalf. This may not always be easy so, again, it is very important that you discuss your wishes with your attorney in advance.
If you have appointed someone to be your executor
or attorney who you do not feel comfortable having these discussions with, they
are probably not the right person.
Preferences for treatment and care arrangements
Whilst death comes to us all, it is often what comes beforehand that goes unspoken about. However, during this time it is equally important that your wishes are known, if not more so. After all, this is about ensuring your safety and comfort during your last moments. A Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare can voice your wishes when you are no longer able to do so.
Your health and welfare attorney will make decisions such as where you live, the care you receive – even, if necessary, what you eat and who visits you. You might decide that one family member is better suited to this role, whereas another is better suited to looking after your finances.
When you make an LPA, you can incorporate preferences to help guide your attorneys. This can include the type of care you would like to receive or a specific care home in which you would like to live. Such preferences must, however, be legally permissible. Seeking professional advice about and LPA will ensure that the documents are drafted in line with both your wishes and the law.
End of life
Family members might be asked some very difficult questions by healthcare practitioners, and this can be a big burden to carry if they are not sure of your precise wishes. Again, simply talking through those wishes with your family goes a long way to ensuring your wishes are met in your last moments.
Whilst the medical staff involved in your care will usually consult with family, only those named as an attorney are able to make any decisions on your behalf.
If you have a long-term or terminal condition, you
may be offered a DNAR form by your medical team. DNAR stands for ‘do not
attempt resuscitation’. A DNAR form is not, however, legally binding. An
alternative document, to consider is an advance decision. Advance decisions
(sometimes referred to as living wills) allow you to specify any treatments you
wish to refuse, including life-sustaining treatments, even if these were to
become necessary. However, if your advance decision legally conflicts with your
health and welfare lasting power of attorney, the document which was signed
most recently will usually take precedence. This is a complicated area of law,
on which it is best to seek professional advice.
Organ donation
The rules surrounding organ donation are planned to change from 20 May 2020. Instead of voluntarily registering as a potential organ donor, it will operate on an opt out system. This means that it will be deemed all adults in England and Wales agree to donate their organs after death.
If you do not wish for your organs to be donated, you will still have the option to opt-out. If you have specific wishes, such as wanting your organs to be donated for medical research surrounding a particular illness, you can include such wishes in your will.
Funeral arrangements
Planning a funeral can be made easier by setting out your wishes in advance. Your will can include wishes as to religious preferences, the music you would like to have played, or any specific flowers or charitable donations that you would like.
Prepaid funeral plans have become increasingly popular in recent years. Planning and paying for your funeral in advance means that the ceremony can take place exactly as you wish. It also means that the expense will not have to be met from your estate or by your family or friends.
An alternative is to leave a set sum of money to a particular person for the purpose of planning and paying for your funeral. You can then make sure that person is aware of your wishes and will plan the celebration you want. You do need to be careful about this type of arrangement, though. If not worded carefully, the money could be construed as a direct gift. Also, if you only tell one person your wishes, they may no longer be around to implement them on your behalf.
Your online accounts
Your executors will need to be aware of all your bank accounts, savings, debts, and sources of income so that they know who they should contact when the time comes. Leaving a list of these details with your will is extremely helpful.
Anticipate problems
Is there someone who might disagree with your wishes, either before or after your death? Whilst we all have freedom of choice to decide who we would like to inherit from us, there may be circumstances under which a claim could be made against your estate. Discussing your wishes with those closest to you can also help them to understand your choices and prevent any such claims arising. If you are worried about a dispute over your estate, you should seek the views of a professional.
For further information or advice on any of these issues, please contact Wendy Mustard in the wills, trusts & probate team on 0191 567 0465 or email [email protected]
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
