The festive season is in full swing. Soon we’ll be celebrating Christmas with friends and family, and before we know it, we’ll be bringing in the New Year. As we head into 2024, there are a number of legal resolutions we think you should consider.
New Year’s resolutions usually concern things like going to the gym and avoiding chocolate. However, you should look at this as an opportunity to tie up any legal loose ends from the previous year and ensure you and your loved ones are protected. Check out this list of three legal resolutions to keep this New Year.
Write a Will
The New Year is when we look back and reflect. It’s a time when we feel thankful for what we have and look forward to the future.
If you haven’t done so already, one of the most important legal resolutions to keep this New Year is to write a will. Writing a will can be difficult, the process is emotionally charged, and it can lead to familial disputes and disagreements. However, writing one is essential and will ensure your loved ones are secure after you are gone.
First and foremost, you need to have a frank and open discussion with your family about your will. Communication is key; by ensuring nobody is left in the dark you will help prevent arguments further down the line.
You also need to appoint the appropriate executor of your will. This should be someone you trust and with the capability of ensuring your wishes are carried out. An executor can be a trusted family member or a solicitor.
Moving House? Hire a Solicitor
As we head towards 2024, you may feel like you need a change in your life. This could be something small or something much more significant.
If you have decided that 2024 is the year you are finally going to move house, you will no doubt be incredibly excited. However, you must also ensure you proceed with care and consideration, and one of your legal resolutions should be to hire a solicitor if you are planning to move.
You will need legal advice if you are buying or selling a home. Solicitors who deal with these issues are called conveyancers. A conveyancer will be there to guide you through the process and handle all legal matters. They can also serve as a source of advice if you have any questions about things like mortgages, offers or insurance.
A conveyancer will handle a number of things, including compiling the home report, negotiating offers, inspecting the deeds and reaching a settlement. Don’t overlook their importance, you should also use a solicitor when buying or selling property.
Business Owner? Speak to an Employment Law Solicitor
The final entry on our list of legal resolutions to keep this New Year applies to the many thousands of business owners in Scotland.
If you own a business, you have likely considered several work-related resolutions already. Maybe you’re thinking of taking on new staff or developing your product line. These are certainly positive goals, but there is one legal resolution we think all business owners should consider above all else: speak to an employment law solicitor.
Following employment law is critical. Failure to do so could see you and your business face serious repercussions. However, as a business owner, it can be hard to find the time to cover all your bases.
By enlisting the services of an employment law solicitor, you’ll have access to expert advice on matters concerning things like contracts, negotiations, regulatory compliance, employee protections and business growth. This advice is invaluable, it will help you scale your business while ensuring you are always operating within the confines of the law.
Conclusion
As we head towards the New Year, we strongly recommend thinking about the legal resolutions listed above. Use this as an opportunity to write your will and hire a conveyancer if you are planning to move house. If you are a business owner, speaking to an employment law solicitor should be a top priority. To help you keep your New Year legal resolutions, speak to a member of the MM Legal team today.
