PROMOTION Spring clean your life With spring around the corner, many of us will be thinking about clearing out, cleaning up and generally getting our life in order. Now is a great time to think about all the things that you've put off or haven't got round to, and first up is having an up to date Will WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY Too many people in the UKdon't have a Will-in fact 2out of3. And there are almost as many excuses for not writing one as there are really good reasons for making it your top peiority. Many of us mistakenly believe that if we don't have a Will,our spouse will automatically inherit. If you aren't married. your partner receives nothing unless you have a Will. Making a Will is the only way to guarantee thatyour family is supported financially and provided for in the way you want. If you already have a Will, you need to review it regularly. Your life is always changing and so should your Will Whether it's buying a nevw home, getting married, having children or getting divorced, it'simportant to checkyour Will regularly to makesure it refectsthese changes. Having a speing clean at home may make you realise you don't have the space you need and start you thinking about moving, Equally you may realise you have too much space and need to downsize. The selling and buying process can often seem over complicated and drawn out but it needn'tbe. Heing well prepared to sell your property can help the transaction proceed more easily and quickly. From ensuring you have the coerect planningand building consents in place for any work which have been carried out, to appointing your solicitor before you place your property on the market can help make the process asstress free as possible. As the bayer, making sure you have your finance in place and mortgage (if required)agreed in principle will put you in the best possible position when makingan offer. Location may be key to finding the right property but being well prepared can often be the deciding factor in whether you can sell your property and move in to your dream home. SAYINGIDO Many couples get engaged over the Christmas break and will be planning their big day already but how many will have a pre-nuptial agreement on their wedding day checklist? A pre-nupial agreement is a contract between couples who are about to marry confirming ownership of assets, treatment of future earnings and potential division of assets if the marriage should break down. With the rise of second and subsequent marriages, many people bring into these marriages wealth and assets built up over many years or inherited assets that they want to protect. Equally, ifyour child is getting married and stands to inherit significant wealth, you maywam to encourage them to have a pre-nuptial agreement. It's not an easy subjest to raise, but if done properly it is the most effective way of protecting assets-however unromantic it may seem! Susan Glenholme | Private clent partner T: 01727 735636|E: sg@debenhamsottoway.co.uk Nigel Drake I Residential property partner T: 01727 735602 |E: nd@debenhansottaway.co.uk Helen Young | Family partner : 01727 7382 12 | E: hy@debenhamsottaway.co.uk DEBENHAMS OTAWAY SOLICITORS Your aspirations are our inspiration