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Estate planning and legal matters may seem like distant concerns reserved for older individuals, but one crucial document that should not be overlooked by people of any age is a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney allows you to plan for the future. It is a legal document that grants someone the authority to make financial and / or medical decisions on behalf of another person. While it may not seem necessary for young people who are in good health and just starting out in life, having a Power of Attorney in place can provide critical protection and peace of mind for a number of reasons and scenarios.

Moving in with your partner can be an exciting and significant milestone in a relationship. It can bring a sense of closeness and shared responsibility, as well as the opportunity to learn more about each other's daily routines and habits. But as well as considering who will put the bins out every week, if you are one of the 3.6 million people cohabiting in the UK (i.e. living with your partner but not married to them), then it is important you think about the future and consider what could happen to you in the event of a breakup.

We all start the new year with great intentions of getting our affairs in order, and although the number of people making a Will is rising, many of them forget to keep it up to date. Without a Will, you are leaving it for the law to decide how your estate is divided when you die, and that may not be in line with your wishes. In addition, having a Will in place can help minimise disputes and stress for loved ones at an already very emotional and upsetting time. A Will does not have an expiry date. However if you do have a Will, remember to review and update it every five years, or beforehand if you have experienced a major life change – for example, a marriage, divorce, a new birth, or a death in your family.

If in 2023 you are planning on moving north of the border, it may be helpful for you to understand some of the differences between the Scottish and English property conveyancing processes. Here at Macnabs we are frequently instructed by people looking to relocate from England to Scotland, even more so over the last few years with clients looking to move out of city centres for a more rural lifestyle as the work life balance has changed.