We all have a list of jobs we know we should do but somehow never quite get around to - renewing that insurance policy, updating personal documents, or finally sorting out those important legal papers. Collectively, these are often referred to as ‘life admin’, the practical side of managing our affairs.

While life admin might sound mundane, taking the time to organise your personal, financial and legal affairs can make a huge difference, not only to you, but to the people you care about most. From a legal point of view, it can also save time, stress and considerable expense in the future.

At BHP Law, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team regularly helps clients put the right arrangements in place to protect their loved ones and give them peace of mind.

Why Life Admin Is So Important

Life admin is about much more than paying bills or managing a diary. It’s about ensuring that your affairs are in good order, that your wishes are clear, and that the right legal documents are in place to protect you and your family.

Without these arrangements, your loved ones may face unnecessary complications, unmarried partners may be missed entirely, there may be expensive and lengthy delays, and even legal disputes at an already difficult time. Getting your affairs in order helps ensure that your wishes are respected, your assets are protected, and that decisions about your health or finances are made by those you trust.

Essential Legal Life Admin Tasks

From a legal perspective, there are several key areas of life admin that everyone should consider:

1. Making a Will

A Will is one of the most important documents you can have. It ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes and can help to prevent disputes after your death.

If you die without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your intentions and could result in loved ones being left out.

It’s also vital to review your Will regularly, particularly after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of property.

A Will can also be used to record your funeral wishes, sparing your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions at a time of grief. Whether you prefer a simple ceremony, a particular type of service, or specific music, documenting these preferences provides clarity and comfort.

Alongside your Will, it’s wise to prepare an emergency information file, a simple, accessible record of key contacts, account details, and instructions. This might include solicitor details, financial advisers, or even practical household information. Executors and family members will find this invaluable when managing your affairs.

2. Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals (known as attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental or physical capacity in the future.

There are two main types of LPA in England and Wales:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – enables your attorney to manage your money, property and bills.
• Health and Welfare LPA – enables your attorney to make decisions about your medical treatment and care and to make decisions on life sustaining treatment.

Having LPAs in place can save your family the distress and delay of having to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to act on your behalf later on.

3. Setting Up a Trust

A Trust can be a useful way to manage and protect assets, whether to minimise tax liabilities, provide for children, or support disabled or vulnerable beneficiaries. Trusts can offer flexibility and control over how and when your assets are distributed.

There are several types of Trusts available in England and Wales and professional advice is essential to ensure the right structure is chosen for your individual circumstances. Establishing a Trust as part of your broader life admin can safeguard your estate and provide lasting security for your loved ones.

Organising and Storing Your Documents

It’s equally important to ensure that your legal documents, including your Will, LPA, and any Trust deeds, are kept safe and can be easily located when needed. Executors and attorneys should know where to find these documents, and it’s often sensible to store original copies securely with your solicitor.

Don’t Leave It Too Late

Life admin often slips to the bottom of our to-do lists, but leaving it too long can create unnecessary problems for those closest to you. Taking some time now to get your affairs in order, and to review documents regularly, is one of the most responsible and caring things you can do for your family.

How BHP Law Can Help

At BHP Law, our specialist Wills, Trusts and Probate team can guide you through every step of your life admin, from writing or updating your Will, to preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney or setting up a Trust tailored to your needs.

We’ll ensure that your affairs are clearly documented, legally sound, and fully aligned with your wishes, giving you complete peace of mind for the future.

Get in touch with BHP Law today to find out how we can help you organise your life admin and secure your future.