Talk Money Week: Talking to your family about your wishes for the future
Talk Money Week is a national campaign that tries to get more people talking about personal finance issues such as saving regularly, planning for retirement, investing, etc. The campaign runs from 8 to 12 November and aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging conversations about money and finances. It is because people find it difficult, morbid, or unnecessary to talk to loved ones about what will happen after they pass away that makes campaigns like Talk Money Week so important.
Nobody likes to think about a time when they are no longer around, however, talking about financial and practical matters can help put your mind at ease and make things much easier for those closest to you when the inevitable comes. Most people find it difficult to talk about money but Talk Money Week is designed to make it easier for everyone.
In this blog, we look at how to speak to friends and family about your wishes for the future, covering: what should happen to your property after you pass away, providing for those closest to you, and choosing who should take care of your financial affairs should you lose the capacity to do so yourself.
Starting the conversation
It can be challenging to bring up such serious matters without warning, so you should introduce the topic with a starting point. Perhaps your circumstances have changed, if you have remarried, had children or grandchildren, or moved home, it can be a good time to raise such matters with family members. It will seem more natural. If you are yet to make a Will or Power of Attorney, this can also be a great way to introduce the conversation to your loved ones.
Discussing your will
One of the key discussions you will need to have with those closest to you is what should happen to your money and property after you pass away. While your estate may seem straightforward, and perhaps it is even obvious what should happen, Wills disputes are common, and you should take steps to prevent such a dispute.
Following a death in the family, emotions are raw, and many families end up in bitter arguments over property. The best way to ensure the distribution of your assets is straightforward – discuss your Will and your wishes with your family. Explain why you wish for your property to be distributed as you have set out, and do not be afraid that some people might feel hurt by what you have chosen to do. Wills discussions could even help you decide what is best for your family before you make a Will or encourage you to amend your will to provide for your family in a way you never previously considered.
Choosing Executors and Attorneys
An important part of planning for the future is choosing who you would like to be responsible for your affairs after you have lost capacity or passed away.
Attorneys
A Power of Attorney gives someone else the power to make decisions on your behalf after losing the mental capacity to do so for yourself. You should choose a person you trust to be your financial attorney, and you should discuss the role with them in advance and ensure they are able and willing to act for you.
Executors
An executor is responsible for administering your estate after you have passed away. This can be quite an involved and time-consuming role, so it is essential that you discuss it with those with who you would like to step in. You can appoint several executors, and you may even wish to appoint a professional such as a solicitor to deal with the more challenging parts of estate administration.
If you would like any more information relating to this article then please feel free to contact me: Telephone – 020 8221 8038, via email: manal.fouad@bowlinglaw.co.uk or visit my profile.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
