Goughs Solicitors, has been ranked as a leading law firm by the prestigious Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Our team of family lawyers have once again proven that their experience and dedication is second to none and our Private Client department received exemplary feedback and accreditation. So, when making plans to protect yours and your children’s future, make sure you speak to the best lawyers.
Here Luchia Hirst and Georgina Catlin explain how you can protect yourself now and for your future.
Wills and LPAs
By making a Will, you can ensure not only you property and affairs but also the care of your child(ren) are dealt with in accordance with your wishes, and that any specific intentions you have for guardianship of your child(ren), your home, money or possessions are carried through efficiently after your death and that your loved ones are provided for in a tax-efficient way.
It’s also important to keep your Will updated to ensure it continues to reflect your circumstances and to avoid any disappointed beneficiaries. Any changes in your personal circumstances should trigger the review of your Will such as getting married or divorced, buying or selling properly, or any changes to your family or financial circumstances.
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney
It’s a common misconception that Lasting Powers of Attorney are for the elderly but mental incapacity can affect anyone, regardless of age. Unfortunately, no one knows what the future holds and anyone, can have an accident or be struck down by an illness and in this respect a Lasting Power of Attorney is just as essential as having a Will in place.
By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can have peace of mind that in the future all of your affairs will be dealt with by your chosen, trusted Attorney.
Luchia Hirst
Associate Solicitor, Private Client
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01249 717879
Child Arrangements
If you are separating or divorcing, there is bound to be an impact on all children within your family unit. As a parent, you will wish to put the welfare of your children at the top of your agenda.
Child arrangements can be tricky at the best of times; following separation, the pressure can be heightened. Many of the child arrangements in place focus on providing care when the children are at school; what happens in the holidays when both parents may have work commitments? In the UK, school holidays can range from two to six weeks, depending on the time of year.
What to do if you are struggling to reach an agreement?
- Plan in advance – print out the school term time calendar;
- Put the children first;
- Where a dispute/clash arises perhaps consider seeking assistance from mutual friend/family member to assist or meet in neutral place to discuss matters;
- Consider meditation where ongoing issues or areas of dispute arise in connection with the children or holiday arrangements;
- Consider putting in place a Parenting Plan setting out your agreements and wishes in respect of the child/children. It will assist you in anticipating matters concerning the children that will need to be considered. It will invariably assist you both to look ahead for the benefit of the child/children but also yourselves in terms of how you approach certain matters.
At Goughs, we have an extremely experienced team of lawyers who can provide guidance and advice on these issues with a view to reaching an amicable agreement.
Georgina Catlin
Associate Solicitor, Family
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01249 810875