Doesn’t time fly?

Last year marked a small landmark in my legal career, as I entered double figures of qualification having been a qualified solicitor for 10 years. Not only did this make me feel old, but it has given me time to reflect on how far I have come, both personally and professionally.

It is safe to say that there have been ups and downs and, I can say with certainty that the last 10 years I have seen a significant amount of change in my life.

Physically, I am not the same person I was. In 2013 and had not started running and in the following ten years, I have now taken part in 9 marathons, a half ironman and countless other endurance events – events that the 2013 version of myself would have never believed I would not only have done, but would now enjoy doing.

My lifestyle has dramatically changed as well, as I have become vegan, become passionate about the environmental impact my life has and have even come to learn that a holiday for me is not relaxing by a pool, but by hanging off the side of a mountain.

Mentally, in the years prior to 2013 I have suffered from depression and have since learned the importance of managing my own mental health in a positive way and tried to be open with others so that they can “see my scars” and talk openly about the challenges they might be facing.

Professionally I have continued to progress and develop through my career, expanding my knowledge and becoming comfortable in advising people on technically challenging topics, involving 7 figure estates, in a way that I hope is a friendly, clear and confident. I understand and have expertise in areas that I would never have fathomed and have found a home at a firm that I see a long and positive future at.

What about you? What has happened to you in the last 10 years? Do you now have children or grandchildren? Have you got married or divorced? Have you had a health scare? How has your life and personal circumstances changed?

Does your estate planning need a review to reflect these changes?

It still amazes that I am both administering estates and reviewing client Wills that were written before I was born. In many of these conversations, it is clear that so much has changed and that a number of clients are even shocked at the manner in which the Will would have dealt with their estate.

Are your executors still the best person for the job? Have you considered what the increase in value of your property or estate might impact the inheritance consequences and do you now need to plan accordingly for this? Are you still benefiting those you want to receive your estate?

When was the last time you checked your Will or considered your wider estate planning? Even if no changes are required, I always recommend that clients review this every 4 years, at the least.

For me, the place I find myself in life now is very different to where it was 10 years ago and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was pretty different in 10 years time, and my own personal estate planning needs to reflect these changes. Don’t let your will estate planning get left behind as your life and personal circumstances advance.

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If I or any of colleagues at Fisher Jones Greenwood can assist you with your Will or estate planning, then please do not hesitate to contact us on?01206 835261 or via email?[email protected].