13 January 2026

Begin 2026 with peace of mind


A week into 2026 how are your new year resolutions going?



We may have resolutions and new fitness goals but it’s also the perfect time to review and update your legal affairs. Julie Atkinson-McGregor from Marshall Hall Levy Solicitors in South Shields is encouraging local people to kick off 2026 with a legal health check.


A legal health check can provide peace of mind for you and your family, ensuring your plans align with your current circumstances and any recent life changes. Julie Atkinson-McGregor member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, explains that being proactive not only helps your family understand your wishes, but also safeguards both you and your loved ones.


“Life changes all the time, and your legal documentation, such as your will, should keep pace” says Julie Atkinson-McGregor. [Insert Name]. “The start of the new year is the perfect time to review key legal documents to ensure they accurately reflect your current wishes.”


Research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows over half of UK adults over 30 don’t have a will or have one that needs updating. The research also found that nearly one in ten UK adults has started making a will but hasn’t completed it, leaving their estate and loved ones at risk.


“It’s best practice to review and update your will every five years or when a major change in your life occurs that impacts you or your loved ones, such as a marriage or civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, the arrival of a child, the loss of a loved one, or changes related to gender recognition.” Julie Atkinson-McGregor says.


She continues: “An up-to-date will not only ensures your wishes are honoured but also sets out clear guardianship arrangements for your children. Alarmingly, many parents don’t have a will or haven’t legally appointed guardians for their children. Without a will, guardianship decisions may be left to the courts, which might not align with your preferences.”


“Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is another a crucial step that every adult should do before it’s too late. An LPA ensures that someone you trust can manage your financial and healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so, because we never know what is round the corner. You can establish a Property and Financial Affairs LPA for handling your finances and a Health and Welfare LPA for decisions regarding your care and living arrangements.”

 

“Finally, it is wise to prepare for the unexpected. Create a secure emergency document with essential contacts and key details for accessing important accounts, such as online banking. Additionally, documenting your funeral wishes can reduce the emotional burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.”


Where possible, Julie Atkinson-McGregor says it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced legal professional, such as a Lifetime Lawyer, to ensure that all documents are thorough, valid, and reflect your intentions accurately.

Is cheap conveyancing always the best option?

17 February 2026
When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s completely normal to shop around and compare quotes. But it’s worth remembering that with conveyancing, the cheapest price isn’t always the cheapest overall. Sometimes low quotes don’t include everything, and extra costs can appear later for things like lender work, admin fees, or additional checks. And of course, conveyancing isn’t just “paperwork” , it’s making sure everything is legally sound, raising the right enquiries, and helping your move go through as smoothly as possible. A good conveyancer should keep you updated, explain things clearly, and help avoid delays where possible. If you want straightforward advice and transparent fees, we’re always happy to chat.

Why Lasting Powers of Attorney are ‘particularly vital in avoiding a catastrophic scenario

23 January 2026
When Financial Expert, Martin Lewis was asked, "Martin, if you had to prioritise, which would you sort first: Will/ Power of Attorney, or pensions/tax/inheritance? And why?", Martin responded saying Lasting Powers of Attorneys, because they are particularly vital in avoiding a catastrophic scenario.” Martin went on to say, “ Power of Attorney says if I were to lose my faculties, then I will nominate other people who can look after my finances and my health and wellbeing for me. I've had a Power of Attorney for 15 years even though I've got no foreseeability of losing my faculties." He continued: "If you don't have a Power of Attorney in place, and you were to have an accident tomorrow so you couldn't look after yourself with your faculties gone, or a severe stroke, and you're a young person-because people think it's only for old people, it's not-then it is frankly a nightmare to go through the process of someone else trying to take over your finances. Meanwhile, they may not be able to pay your mortgage for you, or pay for any treatments for you, or pay for anything you need. Read the full article here - Daily Express If you would like Lasting Powers of Attorney, our experts at Marshall Hall Levy can assist. Just call us on 0191 455 3181 to set up an appointment today. Office of Public Guardian fees and Solicitor fees apply

Helping our clients to leave a legacy to charity

by Alistair Moore • 22 January 2026
We are very proud to be on the panel of solicitors for the National Free Wills Network. If you contact NFWN online, you’ll receive a unique code to bring to your appointment with your chosen solicitor. We then prepare your Will, with NFWN contributing towards the cost of a basic Will so there’s nothing for you to pay, unless you choose something more complex or an additional service. There’s no obligation to leave a gift in your Will, although many people do, from small sums to larger gifts, as a way of supporting charity. It’s just one of the ways MHL is proud to help make a positive difference.