Will and Estate Planning: What Do I Actually Need?

Will, power of attorney, pension wishes: it's the kind of thing everyone means to sort and nobody quite does. Give it your age, situation, dependants and rough assets, and this explains each document in plain terms, what it does and whether you actually need it. No legalese, no scaring you into things that don't apply.

Explain what estate planning documents a UK adult should consider having in place, starting from the basics. I am {AGE} years old, {MARITAL_STATUS}, with {DEPENDANTS} dependants and assets that include {ASSET_SUMMARY} (e.g. property, savings, pension, business interests). For each document (Will, Lasting Power of Attorney (property and financial affairs; health and welfare), expression of wishes for pension, and any trust arrangements) explain in plain English: what it does, what happens if I do not have it, approximate cost to set up, whether I need a solicitor or can use a service like Farewill, and how often I should review it. Flag anything that is especially urgent given my circumstances.