Are you legally healthy?

“Excuse me?”; “How would I know?”; “I think so”

Most likely your answer to a question about your legal health would be some variation of these responses. Just as we go to the dentist or doctor for medical checks, to identify any possible cavities or other problems before they give us real pain, it is a good idea to have your legal health checked out by your solicitor.

What is a legal health check?

A legal health check involves taking stock of the legal matters that affect your life now. For example, have you a current and valid Will in place? Have you made an Enduring Power of Attorney? Do you know where the deeds are to your house and are they in your name? If you have paid off your mortgage, has the bank’s interest been taken off the title?

A lot of people do not check these crucial matters until it is too late, leaving their loved ones to sort out problems in their wake. But taking preventative action now can save a lot of unnecessary trouble and expense later on.

What does a legal health check involve?

1. Collect all your important papers
   Even putting those papers together in one place can prevent future difficulty. Knowing that one is missing is also important and may give you the opportunity to remedy it.
2. Solicitor analyses your questionnaire
   Having completed your questionnaire, we will analyse it to establish if there are gaps or inconsistencies in how you believe your affairs currently stand.
3. Recommendations will be made to improve your legal health
   For example, if your will is out-of-date or invalid or if the bank’s name is still on the title to your house.
4. Action plan
   Action can then be taken to help guard your family and your future.