September Reset: Is It Time to Tackle the Legal Jobs You’ve Been Putting Off?

September often feels like a reset.

The children are back at school, summer holidays are over and everyday routines begin to settle back into place. For many of us, it is also the time when we finally turn our attention to the jobs and decisions that have been sitting on the to-do list for a little too long.

Some of those jobs are practical. Others can feel more difficult to approach, particularly when they involve your family, your home or planning for the future.

Whether you have been meaning to make a Will, put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, move home or seek advice about a family matter, September can be a good opportunity to take that first step.

Is It Time to Make or Update Your Will?

Making a Will is one of those tasks that is very easy to put off, particularly when life is busy.

However, having an up-to-date Will gives you the opportunity to clearly set out what you would like to happen to your estate after your death. It can also help make matters more straightforward for the people you leave behind.

It is also worth reviewing an existing Will when your circumstances change. Marriage, divorce, the arrival of children or grandchildren, buying a property or a significant change in your finances can all be reasons to revisit the arrangements you already have in place.

If your Will has been sitting on your list for months, September could be the time to get it sorted.

Planning Ahead with a Lasting Power of Attorney

Another important area of future planning is putting a Lasting Power of Attorney, or LPA, in place.

An LPA allows you to choose trusted people to make certain decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make those decisions yourself in the future.

There are two types of LPA, covering property and financial affairs, and health and welfare.

It can be tempting to think of an LPA as something to consider much later in life, but putting one in place while you are able to make your wishes clear can provide valuable reassurance for both you and your family.

Thinking About Moving Home?

September can also bring renewed enthusiasm for moving plans.

Perhaps you spent the summer viewing properties, have decided you need more space or are finally ready to put your own home on the market.

Buying and selling property can involve a considerable amount of paperwork, communication and decision-making, so having the right legal support from the outset can help you understand what is happening at each stage.

If a move is on the horizon, speaking to a conveyancing solicitor early can also help you understand the process and what you may need to prepare before an offer is accepted.

Getting Clarity on a Family Matter

Not every decision can simply be crossed off a list.

If you are experiencing difficulties within your relationship, considering separation or trying to resolve arrangements involving your children, you may have spent the summer wondering what to do next.

Seeking legal advice does not necessarily mean that you have decided to take formal action.

Sometimes it is simply about understanding where you stand, what your options are and what the practical next steps might look like.

Having that information can make a difficult situation feel much more manageable.

One Conversation Can Make a Difference

The hardest part of dealing with a legal matter is often getting started.

When something has been on your mind for weeks or months, it can begin to feel much bigger than it needs to. Speaking to a solicitor can help you understand your position, identify what needs to happen next and decide how you would like to move forward.

You do not need to have everything worked out before asking for advice.

As routines return this September, it could be the perfect opportunity to deal with one of the important jobs you have been putting off and head into the rest of the year with a little more clarity.

At francis george solicitor-advocate, our team can advise on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, residential property matters and a wide range of family law issues.

If there is something you have been meaning to deal with, get in touch with our team to start the conversation.