The Sandwich Generation: Planning for the People You Love

Many of us find ourselves caring for more than one generation at the same time, supporting children while also helping parents or other older family members.

Emma Burns,  Paralegal working in our Wills, Probate & Inheritance team looks at why planning ahead can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Often referred to as the “sandwich generation”, it can mean juggling family life, work and the needs of the people you care about. With so much to think about day to day, planning for the future can understandably slip down the list.

But having a few important conversations now can make things much easier later.

Could you step in if a loved one needed you?

A common misconception is that family members can automatically step in and manage a loved one’s affairs if they become unable to make decisions for themselves.

This isn’t necessarily the case.

Putting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place allows someone to choose people they trust to make certain decisions on their behalf if needed. Having these arrangements in place can provide reassurance and help reduce additional worry for families at what may already be a difficult time.

When did you last review your Will?

It’s also worth taking the opportunity to review your Will, and encouraging other family members to do the same.

Life rarely stands still. Families grow, relationships and circumstances change, and a Will written several years ago may no longer reflect your wishes. Keeping it up to date can give you peace of mind and provide greater clarity for the people you leave behind.

Planning ahead isn’t just for later life

Wills and LPAs are often associated with getting older, but planning ahead can be valuable at any stage of adult life.

While conversations about what might happen in the future aren’t always easy, they can be one of the kindest things we do for the people we love. Making your wishes clear and putting the right arrangements in place now can help your family focus on supporting one another when it matters most.

If you’d like advice about Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney or estate planning, please contact Emma on 01434 603656 or click here to send her an email.