The importance of having a Will is fairly well understood
– we all know that we need one in order to ensure that our
assets are distributed in accordance with our intentions upon our
death.
Unfortunately, there are other aspects of estate planning often
overlooked, which can be broadly summarised as:
- Those "lifetime" estate planning documents which
focus on looking after you and your affairs during your lifetime;
and
- Dealing with assets of "yours" which may not be able
to be dealt with through your Will.
Lifetime Documents
The "lifetime" documents are your Enduring Powers of
Attorney (EPA), Enduring Powers of Guardianship (EPG) and Advance
Health Directives.
The two Enduring Powers enable you to appoint a trusted person,
or persons, to make decisions on your behalf, in specific
circumstances.
