Getting Your Affairs in Order: a Later-Life Checklist

Sorting out your affairs while you're well is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. Here's a practical later-life checklist — the documents, decisions and wishes worth putting in place before you need them.

None of us likes dwelling on illness or death, so this is easy to keep putting off. But getting your affairs in order isn't morbid — it's a gift. It spares your family painful guesswork and legal tangles at the worst possible time, and it makes sure your own wishes are followed. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

The essentials to put in place

Make a will

A valid will is the only way to make sure your money and possessions go where you want. Without one, the law's "intestacy" rules decide — which may not match your wishes and can leave partners or stepchildren with nothing. Keep it up to date after big life changes (marriage, for example, can revoke an earlier will). For anything beyond the very simplest estate, use a solicitor or a reputable will-writer.

Set up lasting powers of attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets someone you trust make decisions if you become unable to. There are two types — property & financial affairs, and health & welfare — and it's wise to set up both. Crucially, an LPA can only be made while you still have mental capacity, so it's very much a "do it early" job. Without one, your family may face a slow, costly court process to act for you.

Record your care and end-of-life wishes

Think about — and write down — what you'd want if your health declined: where you'd like to be cared for, and any treatments you would or wouldn't want. An advance care plan captures your preferences; a formal advance decision (living will) can legally refuse specific treatments. You might also note funeral wishes. These conversations are hard, but they're a relief to families who would otherwise be guessing. See our guide on end-of-life care.

Get the paperwork together

Gather the key documents somewhere a trusted person can find them, and tell them where. A useful list:

• Will (and the details of where the original is held)
• LPA documents
• Financial details — bank accounts, pensions, investments, insurance, debts, regular payments
• Property deeds or tenancy, and utility/council-tax details
• NHS number, GP, and a list of medicines and conditions
• Passwords and online accounts (stored securely)