Jim Walker: Rory Bannerman - The importance of Wills

At the most recent meeting of The Rotary Club of Hawick, Rory Bannerman, of Bannerman and Burke, gave a most interesting and informative talk on The Importance of Wills and Powers of Attorney.

In the case of death or incapacity it is important that a person's wishes are made known to their executors, and, where appropriate , to those having Power of Attorney. Many people have no understanding of such matters and to have such arrangements in place can act as a safety net, especially in the case of incapacity. An Attorney will act on their behalf and ideally this should be more than one person. If two, then either can act on their behalf. Financial powers can include the paying of bills, selling assets, arranging appropriate care, and welfare arrangements. Making Welfare arrangements can possibly be more important than Financial arrangements.

On the question of Wills, it is important to have persons that can be trusted to act as executors. Particular items can be left to named individuals, and any wishes as to what might have to be arranged after death should be included in a Will.

A number of questions were put to Rory and it was evident that his talk proved to be interesting, informative, and in some cases thought provoking.

President Linden Warburton gave the Vote of Thanks.