Over late summer/autumn/early winter 2023 year I posted on LinkedIn twenty brief articles on the Background to/Content from my Book Your Last Gift – Getting
Your Affairs in Order. These I am now updating, as follows. Over September, October and November I shall be posting on Linked In Nos. 1 through to 14, with
a new series of postings to follow in December.
I want to begin by quoting a really good observation on my introductory post “Preparing for Death – Starting the Conversation” on Monday 14 August 2023,
from Simon Lofthouse, Head of Private Client at Corbett Le Quesne: “A Will is just a small part of the end-of-life planning process. I always advocate lots
of conversations so there are no surprises. Expectations can be managed and education provided if things are complex.”
Indeed. While many people may assume that the process begins and ends with the Will (which may be too often left to gather dust in the solicitor’s vault,
whereas of course it needs to be regularly reviewed and updated), the subject is so much broader than that. I love Simon’s suggestion of lots of conversations.
The List
1. Relationships
2. Lasting Powers of Attorney – and Medical Wishes
3. Why don’t People Make a Will?
4. Your Will – The Executor(s): Choosing Wisely
5. Your Will – The Essentials
6. Funeral Arrangements
7. Arrangements for Children, Dependents and Pets
8. Digital Assets
9. Ready Access to Cash pre-Probate – in Case of Need by your Surviving
Spouse/Partner
10. The Death Certificate: Having the Necessary Information/Documents.
11. People to Contact
12. Interests in one or more Businesses and/or Management of Charities,
Associations etc.
13. Your House/Flat and your Home Contents – Dealing with Them Post-Death
14. Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning
15. The Territorial Aspect: Residence and Domicile, with Situs (Location) of
Assets
16. Charities Relief: Maximising the Post-tax Estate on Death
17. Decluttering: Your Papers & Other ‘Stuff’
18. Places to Visit/People to See
19. Thinking about God and the After-life
20. How are you Doing with Getting your Affairs in Order?
