Legally Spring Cleaning Your Life: Wills, Agreements, and More

As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, spring provides the perfect opportunity to tidy up not only your home but also look at your legal matters. Just as you refresh your living space, reviewing and updating key documents that protect your life, assets, and loved ones is equally important. Whether it’s your will, power of attorney, or financial agreements, spring-cleaning your legal affairs ensures everything is in order and will give you peace of mind for the future.

Here's a guide to help you spring-clean your legal life

1. Review or Create Your Will

   If you 'don't already have a will, now is the time to get one in place. A will allows you to specify how your assets should be distributed upon your death, as well as appoint guardians for children or dependents. In  England and Wales, having a valid will in place is crucial to ensuring that your wishes are followed and that your loved ones are provided for.

   If you already have a will, it's important to review it regularly. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or significant changes in your financial situation can all affect the terms of your will, including revoking it completely. Similarly, as the value of your estate grows, it's wise to review it to ensure that your beneficiaries are properly accounted for and to consider any tax implications.

2. Consider Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

   A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone (called your ''attorney') to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so. There are two types of LPA:

   Property and Financial Affairs LPA – This allows your attorney to make decisions about your financial matters, such as managing your bank accounts, paying bills, and selling property.

   Health and Welfare LPA – This allows your attorney to make decisions regarding your health, care and medical treatment if you're unable to make them for yourself.

   Establishing an LPA is particularly important as you get older or if you are experiencing health issues. It's also helpful to review your LPAs periodically to ensure they reflect your current wishes.

3. Review Your Financial Agreements and Contracts

   Spring is a good time to review your financial arrangements and agreements, including:

   • Mortgage Agreements – Check the terms of your mortgage to ensure it still suits your needs. You might want to refinance, shop for better rates, or review any linked life insurance or critical illness cover.

   • Insurance Policies – Review your car, home, business and life insurance policies to make sure you have the right level of coverage. You might need to adjust your policies if you've moved house, acquired new assets, or your family situation has changed.

   • Banking and Credit Agreements – Go through your banking arrangements, credit card terms, loans, and any other financial commitments. Make sure your current financial situation aligns with these agreements and that you're making the most of your available credit.

   • Updating these agreements can help you avoid unnecessary financial strain and give you greater financial security.

4. Employment Contracts and Self-Employed Agreements
   For employees, take time to review your employment contract, particularly if you've had changes in your job, such as a promotion, change in salary, or altered working conditions. Ensure the terms are still aligned with your role and workplace policies.
   If you're self-employed or you run a business, it's vital to review any contracts you have in place with clients, suppliers, or business partners. Well-drafted contracts protect your interests and can help avoid disputes in the future. If your business has grown or your circumstances have changed, consider revising your terms and conditions.

5. Check Your Property Documents
   Whether you're a homeowner or a tenant, spring cleaning your legal life also involves reviewing your property-related documents:

   • Title Deeds – If you own property, ensure that your title deeds are up to date and that all land registry records are accurate. This helps avoid future disputes and delays if you plan to sell or mortgage the property.

   • Tenancy Agreements – If you're renting or leasing a property, make sure your tenancy agreement is still relevant and up to date. Consider whether any clauses need to be amended or if there have been changes in the law that might affect you.

   • Boundary Disputes – If you're involved in a boundary dispute with neighbours, it's wise to resolve this early. If you are unsure of your boundary, consulting a solicitor can help you avoid unnecessary legal battles.

6. Update Your Health and Personal Affairs Documents
   Spring cleaning your legal life 'isn't just about money and property – it's also about making sure your personal affairs are in order. Here are a few documents to check:

   • Advance Decisions and Health Care Directives – Also known as living wills, these documents outline your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. You can also include these wishes within your LPAs.

   • Funeral Plans – Some people like to document their funeral wishes in advance to ease the burden on their loved ones. While not legally required, this can be an important step in managing your personal affairs and making sure your family knows your preferences and are often included within a will or in pre-arranged funeral plans.

   • Emergency Information – Update any emergency contact details or important information so that loved ones can easily access it when needed.

7. Organise Your Digital Estate

In the modern world, our digital lives are just as important as our physical ones. Make sure your digital life is organised, particularly:

• Password Management – Use a secure password manager to store your online account credentials, including banking, social media, and email.

• Digital Asset Management – Ensure you leave clear instructions regarding your digital assets with your will. This can include access to online accounts, photos, videos, and social media profiles.

Reviewing your digital life ensures that your online presence and personal data are managed appropriately if something happens.

8. Seek Legal Guidance if Needed

Spring cleaning your legal life can be a complex task, especially if your affairs are particularly intricate. Consulting a solicitor can help ensure that everything is in order. Whether drafting or updating your will, setting up a lasting power of attorney, reviewing financial agreements, or clarifying property issues, a legal professional can help you confidently navigate the process.

At francis george solicitor-advocate, we are proud to serve communities across England and Wales, with offices in Witney and Swindon. Our expert team is here to guide you through every aspect of your legal life, from will writing to power of attorney arrangements, property law, and more. We offer tailored advice and support to help you make informed decisions and ensure that your legal matters are in order now and for the future.

Get spring cleaning!

Just as you give your home a good spring clean, tidying up your legal matters is equally essential. By reviewing your will, power of attorney, financial agreements, and property documents, you ensure that you and your loved ones are protected and your wishes are followed when the time comes. It may take some time, but the peace of mind it brings is invaluable.

If you need help with any of these matters, get in touch with francis george, solicitor-advocate, today. Our offices in Witney and Swindon are here to help the local communities of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and surrounding areas, offering professional and friendly legal support.