Planning Ahead: Wills, POA and Care Decisions

Helping You Prepare, Protect, and Stay in Control — With Support From Your Local Legal Team

Why It Makes Sense to Think About All Three — Together

Wills, Power of Attorney, and care planning often come up at different stages. But the truth is, they work best when they’re considered as part of the same conversation.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to start.

Whether you’re thinking ahead for yourself or helping a parent or partner make decisions for the future, we’re here to guide you through it.

Where Each One Fits

A Will ensures your wishes are followed after you pass away and makes things easier for the people you leave behind.
A Power of Attorney (POA) protects you during life, giving someone you trust legal authority to help with finances, property, or care if needed.
Care planning involves thinking about your future needs — from what kind of care you’d want, to who you’d want making those decisions.

Why Timing Matters

Many people wait until something changes — a diagnosis, a crisis, or a shift in circumstances. But the earlier these documents are in place, the more control you have.
You don’t need to wait for something to go wrong. The best time to plan is while everything’s still going smoothly.

What Makes Hastings Different

At Hastings Legal, we’re more than just paperwork. We’re your local solicitors — based across the Scottish Borders — and we take the time to understand your individual needs.
We know these conversations aren’t always easy. Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or someone close to you, we’re here to help you make sense of the options and feel confident in your decisions.

  • Clear advice, no jargon
  • Friendly, experienced solicitors in every office
  • Support that fits your situation — not a one-size approach
Want to Start the Conversation?

We’re happy to talk things through — whether it’s all three or just one step at a time.

Some popular FAQ's for Planning Ahead: Wills, POA and Care Decisions

When should I start planning a will or power of attorney?
The best time is before you urgently need one. Planning ahead gives you time to think through your wishes properly and avoids pressure later on. That said, if circumstances change suddenly, wills and powers of attorney can often be prepared quickly with the right advice.
Do I need a power of attorney if I already have a will?
Yes. A will deals with what happens after death, while a power of attorney covers decisions during your lifetime if you become unable to manage your affairs. Many people have a will in place but delay a power of attorney, not realising it can be just as important.

Call Hastings Legal on 01573 226999 to discuss Planning Ahead: Wills, POA and Care Decisions in more detail, or use the contact form below to arrange a no obligation conversation with one of our team.

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