Pictured above: Fiona Debney, partner and head of the
wills, trust and probate team at Midlands law firm
Challinors.
The National Lottery celebrates its 15th anniversary this week
and a list of fifty unsung heroes has been published to commemorate
this, prompting many of us to remember loved ones we have lost.
"As we approach the festive season, now is often the time when
thoughts turn to those that are no longer with us," comments Fiona
Debney, partner and head of the Wills, Trusts & Probate team at
Midlands law firm Challinors. "This year will be especially tough
for families that have relatives still away from home, fighting
wars - even though Gordon Brown is looking at return dates for the
troops still out on combat - and for those who now know their loved
one is never to return.
"Media coverage of the war and press headlines about Dignitas -
the organisation that provides assistance to people who wish to end
their lives; usually those with chronic diseases but more
controversially recently a young man wheel-chair bound after a
rugby accident - lead us to think about what we would do for a
loved one if the worst should happen leaving them in a similar
situation.
"And this year, Wales suffered a series of losses of youngsters
who took their own lives seemingly unable to continue in this world
and cope with all the challenges it brings.
"With an aging population, there are also the concerns over the
financial security, health and welfare of our elderly relatives,
and also what the future may hold for us - currently there are four
workers for every retired person in the UK, but it is predicted
this will change to 1:2 over the next forty years. There were plans
mooted to bring in an insurance policy for people that would pay
for long term care in their old age, but nothing much seems to have
developed on this idea.
"And we can't overlook the particular economic challenges faced
by so many in the last two years. We have lived through and
continue to live through the credit crunch, that has seen so many
lose their jobs, being unable to obtain employment, and having to
change the way in which they live so as to cope and survive.
"This is all very unsettling, when all it would seem the
majority wish for is peace, for the world, for our country, for our
economy and for us personally.
"When there is so much that is beyond our control, when planning
for the future and financial security of those nearest and dearest
to us, people shouldn't forget the importance and peace of mind of
making a Will, to ensure that their wishes are upheld, even when we
are no longer here. Similarly, with people living longer but sadly
with mental health declining and the incidence of dementia and
Alzheimers at an all time high, the importance of putting in place
a Lasting Power of Attorney to ensure that those we trust are
empowered with securing our financial well being, as a minimum,
when we are unable to, cannot be underestimated.
"It's almost impossible to put a price on this."
Challinors has offices in Birmingham, West Bromwich,
Wolverhampton, Halesowen and Nottingham. The firm has 25 partners
and over 100 fee earners, and is ranked as one of the top legal
firms in the West Midlands, being Number 1 in the Chambers UK
Directory in a number of categories, including Clinical
Negligence.