Navigating Life's Milestones: A Guide to Legal Preparedness

Being legally prepared isn’t about expecting the worst but about ensuring the best outcomes for you and the people you care about.

03:37 10 January 2025

Life is a journey marked by milestones big and small. From getting your first job to buying a home, starting a family, or retiring, these moments shape our lives. One responsibility we sometimes overlook is ensuring we’re legally prepared for what lies ahead. Navigating life’s key events with legal readiness isn’t only about paperwork but also about peace of mind. 

Starting your career

Your first job is an exciting milestone, but it can come with some legal considerations, including employment contracts, tax codes, and workplace rights.

Employment contracts

Carefully review your employment contract. It should clearly outline your job role, salary, benefits, and working hours. Be on the lookout for clauses like non-compete agreements, which could limit future career opportunities. In the UK, your employer must provide you with a written statement of employment particulars within two months of your start date.

Taxes and payslips

Understanding your tax code is essential to avoid overpaying or underpaying taxes. Don’t be afraid to ask your employer or HMRC for clarification. 

Keep copies of your payslips – they might come in handy if you apply for a mortgage or a loan down the line.

Buying a home

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and the legal side of things is significant. 

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. A conveyancer or property solicitor ensures the transaction is legally sound by conducting searches, checking contracts, and handling the transfer of funds.

Residential property solicitors at willans.co.uk can advise on buying and selling, property disputes, transferring a share of property, buying to let, and more aspects of property law. 

Understanding whether a property is a freehold or a leasehold is important. A freehold means you own the property and the land; a leasehold means you own the property for a set period – but not the land (and you may need to pay ground rent).

Approximately 4.6 million homes in England are leasehold, which is nearly 20% of the housing market.

You may consider getting a property survey, which can sometimes save a fortune by identifying potential issues with the property (such as structural problems).

Starting a family

Welcoming a child into your life is a monumental event, but it brings legal considerations.

Parental leave

The UK offers statutory maternity, paternity, and shared paternal leave. Make sure you understand your entitlements and give your employee the required notice.

Registering a birth

A birth certificate is essential for everything from obtaining a passport to starting school.

Writing a will

A will is important when starting a family. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and appoints guardians for your children.

A 2023 report from the National Will Register found that 42% of UK adults hadn’t discussed what should happen to their estate upon their passing.

Planning for retirement

Retirement can seem like a distant dream but preparing for it early can save us from financial and legal headaches later.

Understanding your pension options is key. The UK state pension age is currently 66 but gradually increasing. If you have a workplace or private pension, check how much you’re likely to receive. You may want to contribute more if possible.

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that appoints someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types of LPA: property and financial affairs (for decisions on money, property, and investments) and health and care (medical care, living arrangements).

Last word

Being legally prepared isn’t about expecting the worst but about ensuring the best outcomes for you and the people you care about. Professionals like solicitors and financial advisors can guide you through the complexities of each milestone. Legal preparedness can save you stress down the road.