Published on: 8th November 2021

Marriage To-Do List: Estate Planning Edition

Whilst it might not be as glamorous as deciding on your venue, flower, dress, or suit, Estate Planning is a vital part of your marriage to-do list. At Casey & Associates, we know that circumstances are constantly changing which is why we provide Will reviews every three years. If you are getting married, however, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible. Below are some suggestions for things to do and topics to discuss with your future spouse before your big day.

Make a Will      

Many people are unaware that marriage revokes any previous Wills that you may have. Because of this, it is important to recreate your Will taking into account your new circumstances. If you do not create a Will, your estate will pass by following the rules of intestacy. These rules are almost always not how you originally wish for your estate to distribute and can be avoided by writing a Will.

Additionally, at Casey & Associates, we are able to create a Will before you are married which will not be revoked by your marriage. This allows you to ensure that your fiancée or partner is provided for if something were to happen before the marriage took place.

Many couples think that everything will automatically go to their spouse. This may not be the case.

Discussion for blended families

Blended families are becoming more and more common in the UK. It is important for people in this situation to have a conversation with your soon-to-be family regarding how your assets will be distributed. This can help to alleviate any family tensions between step-parents and step-children or between step-siblings. At Casey & Associates, we can provide bespoke solutions to your Estate Planning needs such as creating a trust which would allow your spouse the absolute right to live in your property whilst still ensuring that it eventually passes to your children. If your marriage will create a blended family, our knowledgeable Consultants can help you navigate this in the creation of your Will.

Creating Lasting Powers of Attorney  

If you do not already have them, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are an important part of your Estate Planning process. An LPA is a document that allows you to appoint attorneys who are then able to handle your affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. Appointing spouses is very common and provides the right to manage your property and financial affairs and/or your health and welfare. Creating LPAs when you get married can save the hassle of doing so in the future as well as providing the insurance that you will not have to go through the courts to gain the authority to handle your spouse’s affairs.

For those in a blended family, it can be useful to discuss the appointment of any step-children or new spouses as attorneys. Alternatively, some clients prefer to solely appoint their biological children. The choice is entirely yours, but we are available for guidance throughout the process. It is also important to revoke any former powers of attorney for previous spouses or step-children.

If you are planning on getting married or if there is a change in your circumstances and you would like to discuss Estate Planning, contact our client services team to book an appointment with one of our Consultants by calling 01732 868190 or by using the online form on our website by clicking here.

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Our Covid-19 policy is now that if you wish to give instructions or require general information about our Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney or Trusts then we will carry out a telephone or Zoom appointment. However, if you wish to give instructions to one of our Consultants and you feel that you can only do this at a Face to Face meeting we are offering, at our Consultant’s discretion, a limited number of Face to Face appointments in most of the areas we normally cover (subject to Government advice). To see the areas we normally cover please click here. To arrange an appointment please telephone 01732 868190 or click here.

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