The New Year is traditionally a time for reflection and fresh starts. In Cheltenham, January often brings a renewed focus on organisation — reviewing finances, putting plans in place and dealing with tasks that have been quietly sitting on the to-do list. Alongside practical resolutions, it is also an ideal moment to think about getting your legal affairs in order.
Making a will, setting up a lasting power of attorney (LPA) or reviewing existing arrangements are sensible steps that can bring clarity and reassurance. These are not issues reserved for later life. For many individuals and families in Cheltenham, they form part of responsible forward planning at any age.
This article looks at why the New Year is a natural time to act, what to consider when making a will or power of attorney, and why taking advice from experienced Cheltenham solicitors can help you move forward with confidence.
Why January Is a Good Time to Plan Ahead
After the Christmas period, many people take stock of where they are — personally, financially and practically. Life changes do not pause for convenience. Property purchases, family changes and shifts in financial circumstances all have legal implications, whether or not they are formally addressed.
In a town like Cheltenham, where property ownership, family assets and multi-generational planning are common considerations, ensuring your affairs are properly structured is particularly important. Taking advice early in the year allows you to make measured decisions rather than reacting under pressure later on.
Forward planning is not about expecting the worst. It is about reducing uncertainty, protecting those close to you and ensuring your wishes are clear.
Making a Will in Cheltenham: A Resolution with Lasting Benefits
One of the most frequently asked questions is: do I need a solicitor to make a will? While there is no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor, many people in Cheltenham choose to do so for peace of mind and long-term certainty.
Why Making a Will Matters
A properly drafted will sets out:
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Who should inherit your assets
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Who will act as executors
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Guardianship arrangements for children
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Any specific gifts or personal wishes
If you die without leaving a valid will, the intestacy rules apply. These statutory rules are rigid and often unsuitable, particularly for unmarried couples, blended families or those with property and savings in their own name.
For Cheltenham residents, where property values can be significant, intestacy can lead to unnecessary delays, added costs and outcomes that do not reflect personal intentions.
Do I Need a Solicitor to Make a Will?
While DIY and online wills are increasingly common, they are also a frequent source of difficulty. Ambiguities, technical errors or poorly drafted clauses can lead to disputes or invalidate the will altogether.
A solicitor experienced in wills in Cheltenham can help ensure that:
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The will is legally valid and properly executed
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Assets are dealt with tax-efficiently
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The risk of future will disputes is reduced
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Complex family or financial arrangements are addressed clearly
Even relatively straightforward estates can benefit from professional advice, particularly where property ownership, pensions or business interests are involved.
When Should You Make or Review a Will?
Many people assume a will is a “once-only” document, but it should be reviewed as life evolves. Common triggers include:
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Buying or selling property in Cheltenham or elsewhere
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Marriage or civil partnership (which usually revokes an existing will)
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Divorce or separation
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The birth of children or grandchildren
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Changes to financial circumstances
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The death of a named executor or beneficiary
The New Year is often when people pause long enough to recognise that their current arrangements no longer reflect their situation.
Lasting Power of Attorney: Planning Ahead in Cheltenham
Alongside wills, making a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is increasingly seen as a key part of responsible planning.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types:
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Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covering finances, property, bank accounts and bills
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Health and Welfare LPA – covering medical treatment, care and day-to-day welfare decisions
Both types must be registered before they can be used.
What Do I Need to Think About When Making an LPA?
Clients often ask this exact question, and it is an important one. Points to consider include:
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Who to appoint – attorneys should be reliable, capable and willing to act
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How decisions are made – jointly, jointly and severally, or a mix
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Safeguards – whether to include restrictions or guidance
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Timing – registration can take several months
Without an LPA in place, family members may have to apply to the Court of Protection to manage your affairs — a process that can be expensive and stressful.
For many Cheltenham families, LPAs provide reassurance that practical decisions can be made smoothly if the unexpected happens.
LPAs Are Not Just for Later Life
A common misconception is that LPAs are only relevant for older people. In reality, illness or accidents can affect anyone. Professionals, business owners and parents often choose to put LPAs in place early to ensure continuity and protection.
Having an LPA is not about losing control; it is about choosing who would step in, and on what terms, if help were needed.
The Value of Local Legal Advice
While it is possible to complete LPAs without legal support, errors are common and can result in rejection or future complications. A solicitor can ensure that documents are correctly prepared, intentions are clearly recorded and attorneys understand their responsibilities.
For Cheltenham residents, working with a local firm means advice that is grounded in experience and delivered accessibly, with the opportunity for ongoing support as circumstances change.
Reviewing Existing Wills and Powers of Attorney
If you already have a will or LPA, the New Year is a sensible time to review them. Documents prepared several years ago may not reflect your current wishes or family structure.
Changes in property ownership, relationships or tax rules can all affect whether your arrangements remain appropriate. A review does not always mean starting again, but it can identify where updates would be beneficial.
How Midwinters Supports Cheltenham Clients
Midwinters provides clear, practical advice on wills, trusts and probate, supporting individuals and families in Cheltenham and the surrounding area. Our private client team takes a measured, personal approach, focusing on clarity, reassurance and long-term certainty.
Whether you are considering making a will, setting up a lasting power of attorney or reviewing existing documents, we aim to make the process straightforward and well-explained.
You can find out more about our wills, trusts and probate services in Cheltenham here:
👉 https://www.midwinters.co.uk/wills-trusts-probate/
A New Year Resolution That Truly Lasts
Many resolutions fade as the year progresses, but legal planning is one that continues to deliver value long after January has passed. Putting the right arrangements in place now can reduce stress, protect loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected.
For those living and working in Cheltenham, 2026 is an opportunity to start the year with confidence and peace of mind — knowing that your affairs are in good order.
