Welcome to the Maple Wills Newsletter

Make 2026 the Year You Get Organised!

1. Review and Update Your Will

Life changes: marriages, grandchildren, property, business interests. If your will hasn’t been reviewed in the last 2–3 years, now is the time to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

2. Protect Your Loved Ones

Are your chosen executors still appropriate? Have guardians been appointed for younger family members? Taking time now can prevent stress and uncertainty later.

3. Put Lasting Powers of Attorney in Place

An LPA allows trusted individuals to manage your affairs if you lose capacity. Without one, your family may face lengthy and expensive court applications.

4. Organise Your Important Documents

Ensuring key documents are accessible and up to date will make things far easier for your family during difficult times.

5. Consider Inheritance Tax Planning

Thoughtful planning can significantly reduce inheritance tax liabilities and help preserve more of your estate for future generations.

Small steps today can make a lasting difference tomorrow. If you would like to review your will, create an LPA, or simply have a conversation about your estate planning, we are here to help

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

Many people assume their spouse or children can automatically make decisions for them if they lose mental capacity — unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so yourself.

In England and Wales, LPAs are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian and come in two types:

·        Property & Financial Affairs – Covers bank accounts, property, bills, pensions and investments.

·        Health & Welfare  – Covers medical treatment decisions and, if chosen, life-sustaining treatment.

Without an LPA in place, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection — a process that can be lengthy, stressful and significantly more expensive. An LPA isn’t just for later life — illness or accidents can happen at any age. Putting one in place now ensures control remains in your hands.

If you’d like to discuss arranging or reviewing your LPA in 2026, we are here to help.

Did You Know?

Lasting Powers of Attorney – Myth vs Fact

Myth: My spouse or children can automatically make decisions for me.
Fact: They cannot. Without an LPA, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection for legal authority.

Myth: I only need an LPA when I’m older.
Fact: Loss of capacity can happen at any age due to illness or accident. An LPA is relevant for adults of all ages.

Myth: My bank will let my family access my account if needed.
Fact: Banks cannot legally give access without proper authority. A registered LPA provides that authority.

Myth: It’s complicated and expensive.
Fact: Setting up an LPA is straightforward when done properly — and far simpler (and usually less costly) than a Court application later.

Myth: Once I set it up, I lose control.
Fact: You remain in full control while you have capacity. An LPA only comes into effect as specified by you.

Copyright © {{right_now.year}}  {{location.name}}, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
info@maplewills.co.uk

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can unsubscribe from this list.