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Legal

The legal matters you need to consider as you get older

Barbara Binland is the pen name of a senior, Julie Grenness, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is a poet, writer, and part-time English and Maths tutor, with over 40 years of experience. Her many books are available on Amazon and Kindle.

As we are ageing, it is essential at some stage to be realistic and sort our legal affairs. This incorporates writing your last will and testament. It is an individual’s choice whether to use a will kit, or to engage a solicitor. We must decide on an executor of the will, to ensure any assets are disposed of, in accordance with our intentions.

Secondly, it is an excellent idea to appoint a medical power of attorney to a trusted person, to factor in a case scenario if you are on life support. Someone needs a medical power of attorney to make tough decisions on your behalf.

Thirdly, when writing your will, you need to list your beneficiaries. Moreover, you need to compile a file of your assets and investments. Furthermore, it is also a good intention to prepare any wishes for your funeral, burial or cremation. Do you wish to be an organ donor? Ultimately, if any doubts occur, it is always possible and feasible to seek advice from any legal professionals.

Right, having done all that, it’s easy to think, “all sorted!” But remember, any golden oldie’s status can be affected by any change in circumstance, such as either health conditions, or by marriage, or divorce, or the death of a spouse. Then we may need to revise our will and testament.

But, in the interim, put morbid thoughts to one side, that is all ‘worst case scenario’. Now we can plan for our happy and leisurely retirement, enjoying being ‘golden oldies’, anyway we choose!

Here are the stats: 10/10 people are going to die, so appreciate being alive! Rise and smile!

Image credit: Shutterstock

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legal, ageing, finance, will