The Situation:
Margaret, 82, is widowed with three grown-up children. She has always been organised and many years ago made a simple Will leaving everything equally between her children. However, she has never made LPAs.
Margaret is fit and independent until she suffers a sudden stroke, which leaves her unable to manage her finances or make decisions about her care.
The Fallout:
During life:
Without LPAs, Margaret’s children are unable to:
- Access her bank accounts to pay bills or arrange for her care.
- Manage the sale of her home to cover care costs.
- Make medical and welfare decisions in line with her wishes.
- The children feel helpless and distressed, watching their mother’s needs grow while their hands are tied. It also puts a strain on family relationships, as they each have different views about how best to help, particularly as Margaret left no written guidance for them.
After death:
Margaret’s Will ensures her estate is divided equally between the children. However, by this point, the stress and financial challenges she experienced during her lifetime have left a lasting impact on the family.
What Would Have Happened:
If Margaret had made LPAs:
- Her children could have stepped in immediately to manage her finances and care decisions in a way that respected her wishes.
- Bills could have been paid on time, her care arranged smoothly, and her home managed or sold if needed.
- Together with her Will, her planning would have provided complete protection, ensuring stability during her lifetime and clarity after her death.
Why this matters:
- A Will without LPAs only takes care of things after death, leaving families powerless during life.
- LPAs without a Will ensure lifetime support but create uncertainty about inheritance and succession.
- Together, Wills and LPAs are essential, giving families confidence, clarity, and peace of mind at every stage.
At Hedges Law, we provide joined-up advice so that your Will and LPAs work hand in hand. By planning ahead, you can:
- Protect your wishes during life.
- Protect your loved ones after death.
- Prevent stress, delay, and unnecessary expense for your family.
