All in Order: Time to Sort Your Affairs?
Getting our affairs in order for the future can seem like a daunting and costly task, but putting it off can have a big impact on the loved ones we leave behind. It’s been estimated that over half of UK adults between the ages of 50 and 64 don’t have a Will, and 78 per cent of UK adults aged over 40 don’t have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.
So what should be on your checklist? And is now the time to get your affairs in order? In this episode of Tonight, we speak to experts who break down how to sort your affairs. We’ll also meet individuals around the country who know all too well what can happen when this important life admin hasn’t been prepared.
“We don't know what's going to happen in our lives, so getting things like Power of Attorney and a Will in place really does give you the opportunity to be in control. And actually, it's quite compassionate for your loved ones as well because then it gives them an opportunity to understand what your wishes are." – Neill Young, Citizens Advice
Dorothy Cook, from Bristol, was a carer for her husband Melvin through 17 years of the rare health condition ataxia. When Melvin began to struggle with speech, Dorothy believed that being married meant she would be able to speak on her husband’s behalf and help to communicate his wishes. She was wrong.
Six months ago, Melvin was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. Due to his problems with speech, healthcare professionals were not sure of Melvin’s wishes and whether he still had mental capacity. As Dorothy did not have Lasting Power of Attorney in place to make healthcare decisions on Melvin’s behalf, she was told her husband might not be allowed to come home.
“I naively thought that, as his wife, that gave me a lot of rights. We learned a very harsh lesson. I remember going to my car and crying my eyes out because I thought, they are really going to take my man away from me after 49 years." – Dorothy Cook, Bristol
Luckily, Dorothy was able to prove that Melvin did have mental capacity, and that she was still able to care for him at home. Melvin died at home with Dorothy by his side in June. Despite the problems caused by not having a Power of Attorney in place, they had prepared wills and discussed his wishes in detail which gave her clarity and comfort when he passed.
While many of us may leave end-of-life conversations until our later decades, 22-year-old Edward Cox from Swillington in West Yorkshire believes it’s never too early to start planning. To the surprise of family and friends, Edward has already planned and paid for his own funeral. Edward, who works at a funeral home, sees it as a practical investment for the future, giving him peace of mind knowing everything is arranged.
“I was 20 years old when I took the plan out and I’d had a lot of thought before then of what I'd really like. Older people in my family thought, you don't need to be thinking about that now. But I thought, why not? Why not get it sorted now? It's an investment in the future and it's out of my mind now. I don't have to worry about it at all.” – Edward Cox, Swillington
Getting our affairs in order may not be the easiest subject to face, but the stories of Dorothy and Edward remind us that it’s never too soon, or too late, to take action. Whether it’s making a will, setting up a Power of Attorney, or simply having open conversations with loved ones; planning ahead is a gift we can give both ourselves and the people we care about. In the end, it’s not just about paperwork – it’s about peace of mind and making sure our wishes are truly heard.
"All In Order: Time To Sort Your Affairs - Tonight" is on ITV1 at 8:30pm. Get involved in the conversation using #ITVTonight on X, Instagram & Facebook.
Useful links:
Read government advice on the different kinds of Lasting Power of Attorney
Read Marie Curie’s guide on Lasting Power of Attorney
Read the Alzheimer’s Society’s guidance on Lasting Power of Attorney for people with dementia
Download or print off a copy of Age UK’s Life Book - a resource to help document key life admin
Read Which?’s consumer advice on how to make a Last Will and Testament
Check out Citizens Advice information on dealing with the financial affairs of someone who has died
For carers, read Carers UK guidance on end of life planning
Look at Cruse Bereavement’s support on dealing with grief