Nobody wants to think about dying. But the families who cope best after a bereavement are almost always those whose loved one had taken time to put things in order. A valid will, a Lasting Power of Attorney, and some basic financial planning can save your family months of stress, thousands of pounds, and enormous heartache. None of it takes long to set up.
Around half of adults in the UK do not have a will. Without one, the rules of intestacy decide who inherits your estate — and the result may not be what you would have chosen. Unmarried partners inherit nothing under intestacy rules regardless of how long they have been together.
A simple will can be written for a few hundred pounds through a solicitor or a service like Farewill. It should be reviewed every few years or after major life changes — marriage, divorce, children, or significant changes in assets.
As explained in our LPA guide, setting up both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA is one of the most important things you can do for your family. It costs £82 per document and can be done online. Do not wait until it feels urgent — you must have mental capacity to create one.
Make sure someone you trust knows where to find your important documents — your will, insurance policies, pension details, bank account information, and property documents. Consider keeping a summary document in a safe place or with your solicitor. This single step saves your family enormous time and stress.
A pre-paid funeral plan locks in the cost of your funeral at today's prices and removes the decision-making burden from your family at a difficult time. Plans are now regulated by the FCA. Compare options carefully and ensure the provider is FCA authorised before committing.
The most important thing of all is to have the conversation. Tell your family where your documents are, what your wishes are, and who to contact. A conversation now prevents confusion and conflict later.
Behalf guides families through everything that needs to be handled after a bereavement — free, calm, and at your own pace.