Thursday, 3 January 2013

New Year's Resolutions


It’s that time of year again when we make all sorts of promises to ourselves that we seldom keep, at least not for very long.

This year, as well as the usual keep fit and get healthy resolutions we have been thinking about what legal New Year’s resolutions we could make. This is a good time of year to take stock and review your situation in life, and if necessary take steps to put your house in order, so to speak. We’ve carried out a quick survey in the office and here are our top ten: 

1. Make a Will! If you are to have any say over who gets what when you die it is vitally important to make a Will. You can read more about the importance of making a Will here. If you already have a Will in place, does it need to be updated?
2. Have you considered putting an Enduring Power of Attorney in place? This is a document which can come into effect should you become incapable of managing your own affairs. Read more about this here
3. Registering rights of way: If you access your property through someone else’s property you should check to see if your access is registered or not.
4. Mortgage or debt restructuring – if you are an individual, are you aware of the Personal Insolvency Bill? Could restructuring be more or less beneficial for you? If you are a business, could debt restructuring help with cash-flow?
5. Review your insurance policies and life insurance. Are there better policies out there for you?
6. Property – if you are married or in a civil partnership you should consider transferring property into your joint names if it is held by only one of you.
7. If you are separated, consider formalising your separation, or divorce if you are eligible.
8. Unmarried fathers – consider formalising guardianship in respect of your children.
9. Unmarried couples – do you need to put a cohabitation or co-ownership agreement in place?
10. Businesses – are you considering setting up a new business or winding down an existing one? Do you know all of the legal implications?

Now there’s food for thought!

Wolfe & Co., Market Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Tel: 028 21177

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