You have received the call to confirm that contracts have exchanged, and you have an official move date, and that moment of euphoria turns to ‘oh, what next?’ Next comes the practical steps that you may have not given thought to. Here is a list of some of the possible things you may need to do:
As you never know what’s around the corner, it is as well to be prepared for possible difficulties. For example, who will look after your financial affairs should you have an extended stay in hospital, or a rehabilitation centre, or if you were stuck abroad? Who will access your bank account to pay care fees? Or if you own a business who will pay your employees and suppliers? Who will assist healthcare and medical professionals with plans for your medical treatment or everyday care if you cannot make decisions yourself? Are there people who you definitely would not want involved in decisions about your finances or welfare? Did you know that your spouse, civil partner, children or next of kin do not automatically have any legal authority to handle your financial or personal affairs? All of this and more can be addressed with the preparation of Lasting Power of Attorney documents, which put matters in the hands of someone you trust.
The legal system in England and Wales is set to undergo significant changes with the introduction of new costs regime which was introduced on 1st October 2023. These changes will impact all new claims made after this date. Fixed recoverable costs are the set the amount of legal costs that the winning party can claim back from the losing party in civil litigation. They already apply in most low-value personal injury cases, but the government has extended these areas from October to include civil litigation.
On 17th May 2023 the Renters Reform Bill will be introduced into Parliament which will affect approximately 11 million renters and 2 million landlords in England.
