Blog

It is now officially Spring and there's no better time to prioritise what truly matters – safeguarding your future and that of your loved ones. Amidst the promise of brighter days ahead, it's essential to pause and reflect on one of the most fundamental yet often overlooked aspects of life: having a Will. At Macnabs, we believe that crafting a Will should be at the top of everyone's to-do list, as without one you are leaving it to the state to decide what happens to your assets when you are no longer here.

Whilst making a Will is important for every individual, it is even more important for those in non-traditional families to ensure that their future wishes are laid out in black and white and protect those around them. At Macnabs we are seeing more one-parent families, blended and stepfamilies, and civil partnerships, all of which can lead to complicated estate planning issues.

Many of us find ourselves drawn to the exhilarating world of skiing and winter sports. While carving through the slopes, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the season, but it's equally important to consider the practicalities of safeguarding your interests, especially when it comes to legal matters. One often overlooked yet crucial aspect is having a Power of Attorney (PoA) in place. Contrary to common misconceptions, a Power of Attorney isn't just for older individuals – it's a vital document that can benefit people of all ages, ensuring peace of mind during your winter adventures.

Life is complicated with many people now having to consider second marriages, estranged children, potential future care costs, and vulnerable beneficiaries when it comes to planning their Will. For couples who own a property together, instead of leaving their share of the property to the surviving partner outright, a common theme today is to leave their respective shares of their property on death to a Liferent Trust for the surviving partner created under their Will. This means the surviving partner can continue living in the house for as long as they wish without actually owning it.