Start 2026 in the right way
Start 2026 Protected: Why the New Year Is the Perfect Time to Write Your Will and LPAs
Christmas has a unique way of bringing everything into focus. Families come together, conversations slow down, and we’re reminded of what truly matters — the people we love, the home we’ve built, and the future we want for those closest to us.
For many, the festive period is the only time of year when generations are under one roof. We see parents getting older, children growing up, and family dynamics changing. It’s often during these moments that people quietly say to themselves:
“I really should get my Will sorted.”
As we move into 2026, there is no better time to turn that thought into action.
Why the New Year Is the Right Time
January is a natural reset. We make plans, set goals and organise the things we’ve been putting off. Putting a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family — yet it’s often delayed because life feels too busy.
Starting 2026 with your affairs in order means:
Clarity about who inherits and when
Certainty over who would look after children if the unthinkable happened
Control over who makes decisions for you if you cannot
Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
It’s not about being pessimistic — it’s about being prepared.
The Importance of a Will
Without a valid Will, your estate is distributed according to strict rules that may not reflect your wishes. This can result in:
Loved ones not inheriting as you intended
Unmarried partners being left with no automatic rights
Delays, stress and unnecessary expense for your family
Children’s inheritances being paid out at 18 with no protection
A properly written Will allows you to:
Decide who benefits and in what proportions
Appoint guardians for minor children
Protect assets for future generations
Reduce the risk of family disputes
After the reflections that naturally come with Christmas, many people realise how important it is to make these decisions themselves — rather than leaving them to chance.
Why LPAs Are Just as Important
While a Will deals with what happens after death, Lasting Powers of Attorney protect you during your lifetime.
An LPA allows you to choose trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself — whether temporarily or permanently.
There are two types:
Property & Financial Affairs LPA – covering finances, property and bills
Health & Welfare LPA – covering medical treatment, care and day-to-day decisions
Without LPAs in place, your family may face:
Delays accessing funds to pay bills
Loss of control over care decisions
The need to apply to the Court of Protection — a costly and stressful process
Many families only become aware of this when it’s already too late. The New Year is the perfect time to ensure your loved ones can step in smoothly if ever needed.
Christmas Reflections, New Year Action
Christmas reminds us that life doesn’t stand still. Children grow, parents age, relationships evolve, and circumstances change. A Will or LPA written years ago may no longer reflect your wishes — and for many people, nothing is in place at all.
Starting 2026 with a Will and LPAs in place is a gift to your family:
A gift of certainty
A gift of protection
A gift of reassurance
It means that whatever the future holds, your wishes are clear and your loved ones are supported.
Take the First Step This January
At Secure Wills, we help individuals and families put clear, legally sound plans in place — without jargon and without pressure. Whether you’re writing your first Will, updating existing documents, or putting LPAs in place for the first time, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Make 2026 the year you stop putting it off.
Start the New Year with peace of mind — and your Will and LPAs in place.
If you’d like to discuss your circumstances or book an appointment, please get in touch via www.securewills.co.uk
