December is a month of reflection. As the year draws to a close and families gather, many people naturally start thinking about the future. What they want to protect, who they want to provide for, and how to make life a little easier for those they care about.

While it may not be the first thing on your festive to-do list, December is one of the best times to get your legal affairs in order. A few simple steps now can give you real peace of mind going into the New Year.

1. Review your Will before the New Year

Most people write a Will and forget about it, but life moves on. Ask yourself:

  • Has your family changed this year?
  • Have you bought or sold property?
  • Do your executors still feel right?
  • Have your wishes changed?

A quick December review ensures your Will still reflects your life as it is now, not how it was years ago.

If you don’t yet have a Will, the end of the year is the perfect moment to tick this vital job off the list.

2. Check whether you have LPAs in place

Families often notice subtle changes in older relatives over Christmas. Memory, mobility, health or confidence.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) can be put in place for health and welfare, and property and financial affairs, or both. An LPA allows trusted people to step in and help if you ever lose capacity. Without them, families face delays and court applications at an already stressful time.

December can be a key time to put LPAs in place calmly, before the New Year rush.

3. Organise your key documents

As you clear out drawers for the holidays or prepare for a fresh start in January, it’s a useful time to gather:

  • Wills
  • LPAs
  • Financial accounts
  • Insurance policies
  • Pension information and nominations
  • Funeral plans and wishes
  • Property details
  • Digital account information

Having everything in one place makes life much easier for your family if they ever need it.

4. Consider a year-end Tax & gifting review

With a new tax year on the horizon, December is a smart time to think about:

  • Using your annual gifting allowances
  • Reviewing how your estate is structured
  • Discussing potential inheritance tax exposure
  • Looking at whether trust planning is suitable

A short conversation in December can make a meaningful difference by April.

5. Talk to your family

Families often find that Christmas provides the rare chance to talk openly during the holidays. You don’t need a formal meeting. A gentle conversation about where documents are kept, who you’d want to make decisions for you, or what matters most to you, can reduce stress and confusion later.

6. Book a pre-Christmas or January legal review

A short review with a solicitor can highlight gaps you might never have noticed, from missing executors to outdated clauses, old pension nominations or unprotected assets. It’s one of the most valuable end-of-year jobs you can do.

Start the New Year prepared, protected and in control

December isn’t just about closing the year; it’s about setting up the next one with clarity and confidence. By reviewing your Will, LPAs and estate planning now, you give yourself and your family the gift of certainty.

If you would like support reviewing your documents or putting new plans in place, the team at Gepp Solicitors is here to help.