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Discussing Money With Elderly Parents: A Sensitive Guide (UK)

· 14 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Margaret, 78, living alone in Leeds, seemed perfectly capable of managing her affairs. When her daughter Emma, 52, noticed unopened bills stacked on the kitchen counter during Sunday lunch, she gently asked if everything was okay. Margaret snapped: "I'm perfectly capable of managing my own affairs."

Three months later, Margaret had a fall and was hospitalized. Emma discovered her mother had £3,400 in unclaimed Pension Credit over the past year, no Lasting Power of Attorney, and a gas bill in arrears because she'd forgotten to set up the direct debit after switching providers.

Emma wasn't trying to take control. She was trying to help. But by waiting for a crisis instead of having the conversation earlier, the situation became far more difficult and expensive than it needed to be.

Around 800,000 UK pensioners don't claim Pension Credit they're entitled to—missing out on £2,132 per year on average. Without an LPA, families must apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship at £371 plus legal fees—often over £2,000 total.

This guide will show you how to start the money conversation with your elderly parents in a way that respects their autonomy while protecting their interests—and yours.

Table of Contents

Why This Conversation Matters More Than You Think

Most adult children avoid discussing money with their elderly parents because it feels like role reversal. You're not supposed to parent your parent. In British culture especially, money is private—asking about it feels intrusive, even disrespectful.

But silence creates bigger problems than discomfort.

18% of UK pensioners live in poverty—nearly the highest rate since 2006/07. Many could claim benefits they don't know about. Others lose capacity without planning, leaving families scrambling during crises.

Here's the legal reality that surprises most people: being "next of kin" gives you no automatic right to manage your parent's finances if they lose capacity. None. You can't access their bank accounts, pay their bills, or sell their property to fund care—even if you're their only child.

David, 59, assumed his widowed father's finances were "sorted." When his father had a stroke at 81 and lost capacity, David discovered there was no will, no LPA, and £47,000 in a savings account earning 0.01% interest while care home fees of £4,800 per month mounted up. The Court of Protection application took 9 months—during which David couldn't access his father's money to pay for care.

Early conversations aren't about taking over. They're about being prepared to help when your parents need you—in the way they want you to.

Around 60-80% of financial abuse of the elderly takes place in the home, with approximately half perpetrated by adult children or family members. Having clear, documented conversations with multiple family members present protects everyone—including you.

This isn't about control. It's about respect, preparation, and protecting the people you love.

When to Start Talking About Money (Before It's Too Late)

The best time to discuss finances with your parents is when they're healthy, mentally sharp, and feeling in control—not during a health crisis when capacity might already be impaired.

Good conversation triggers:

  • After a friend's parent moves into care or dies (makes the topic feel relevant, not abstract)
  • At age 65 when state pension and benefits eligibility begins
  • After retirement when income changes significantly
  • When a parent is diagnosed with a progressive condition like dementia or Parkinson's
  • After one parent dies and the surviving spouse needs support

MoneyHelper recommends starting the conversation when parents are "feeling well and can clearly express their wishes."

Warning signs you're already late:

  • Unopened bills or post piling up
  • Confusion about finances or repeated questions about the same accounts
  • Unusual purchases, donations, or withdrawals
  • Memory lapses about regular payments or direct debits
  • Isolation from family (can signal coercion or control by others)

More than 982,000 people in the UK have dementia, rising to 1.4 million by 2040. Early diagnosis creates a window for important decisions—including creating Lasting Powers of Attorney—before capacity is lost.

What NOT to do:

  • Wait until you notice problems (capacity may already be impaired, making legal planning impossible)
  • Bring it up during family gatherings with siblings present (feels like an ambush)
  • Lead with "You're getting old and need help" (undermines autonomy and creates defensiveness)

What TO do instead:

  • Choose a calm, private one-on-one moment when they're relaxed
  • Frame it around their goals: "I want to make sure we respect your wishes if something happens"
  • Start with your own planning: "I'm making my will—it got me thinking about yours"

Starting early means your parents stay in control of the conversation and the decisions. Waiting until crisis point means decisions get made under pressure, often by courts or social services rather than family.

The 7 Things You Need to Know About Your Parents' Finances

You don't need to know your parents' exact bank balance or every financial detail. But you do need to know where to find essential information if something happens.

Here's what matters:

1. Location of Important Documents

  • Will (where it's kept, who the executor is, when it was last updated) – see our guide on how to talk to your parents about making a will
  • Property deeds
  • Insurance policies (life, home, health)
  • Birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree
  • National Insurance number

2. Bank Accounts and Savings

  • Which banks and approximate account numbers
  • General picture of balances (not exact figures, just whether they're comfortable or struggling)
  • Online banking details or branch contact information
  • Any joint accounts with partners or children

3. Income Sources

4. Benefits They Receive or Should Claim

  • Pension Credit (many don't realize they qualify)
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Winter Fuel Payment

5. Regular Outgoings

  • Mortgage or rent payments
  • Utilities (gas, electric, water, broadband)
  • Insurance premiums (home, life, car)
  • Subscriptions and memberships
  • Any outstanding debts or loans

6. Professional Contacts

  • Solicitor (especially if they have an LPA or will)
  • Financial advisor or accountant
  • GP surgery and any specialists
  • Bank relationship manager

7. Lasting Power of Attorney

  • Do they have one? (Property & Finance and Health & Welfare are separate documents)
  • Who are the named attorneys?
  • Is it registered with the Office of the Public Guardian?

Learn more about Lasting Power of Attorney in our glossary.

You don't need all this information immediately. But you do need to know where it's documented and how to access it in an emergency.

Consider creating a shared document—either a physical folder kept somewhere secure or a password-protected digital file—where this information can be stored and updated. Some families use a simple spreadsheet. Others prefer a dedicated document safe or fireproof box with a list of contents.

The conversation itself matters as much as the information. Asking shows you care. Not asking means guessing during a crisis.

How to Actually Start the Conversation (Without Causing Offence)

This is the hardest part. You know you need to talk. You don't know how to start without it sounding like you're taking over.

Here are opening lines that work:

"Mum, I'm sorting out my own will and power of attorney. It made me realize I don't know what you'd want if something happened. Can we talk about it?"

This frames it as your journey, not their failure. It positions you as seeking guidance, not giving it.

"I read that without a Lasting Power of Attorney, families can't help with finances even if they want to. Do you have one?"

Direct, practical, and framed around a legal fact rather than personal judgment.

"I don't want to intrude, but I'd like to understand your wishes so I can support you the way you'd want."

Emphasizes their control and your supportive role.

What to say if they push back:

Parent: "I'm not ready to talk about this."

You: "I understand. I'm not trying to rush you—just want you to know I'm here when you are ready. Can we revisit this in a few weeks?"

Respect their boundary but leave the door open.

Parent: "This is none of your business."

You: "You're absolutely right that your finances are your business. I'm not asking to take over—I just want to know your wishes so I can respect them if you ever need help."

Acknowledge their autonomy. Make it clear you're not taking control.

Parent: "You're just worried about your inheritance."

You: "This isn't about inheritance—it's about making sure you get the care and support you need without unnecessary stress or expense. I care about you being looked after properly."

Redirect to care, not money.

Tone guidance:

Use "I" statements ("I want to help") not "You" statements ("You need to sort this out"). Acknowledge their competence: "I know you've managed brilliantly—I just want to understand the setup." Emphasize their choice: "You're in control—I just need to know where things are."

If there are siblings:

Discuss your approach with siblings first to avoid mixed messages. Ideally, have one person lead the conversation rather than making it feel like a family intervention. Follow up together on agreed actions so everyone's informed.

James, 49, started by showing his mother his own LPA documents: "I've just set this up with my partner. It means if I have an accident, she can pay my bills and make decisions. Do you and Dad have something like this?"

His mother admitted they'd been meaning to "get around to it." James offered to book a solicitor appointment or help with the online application. Framing it as normal planning—not crisis management—made all the difference.

Understanding Pension Credit: £2.8 Billion Goes Unclaimed

Many people reading this guide don't realize their parents are missing out on significant income right now. This section could immediately improve their financial situation.

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a minimum level: £201.05 for a single person or £306.85 for a couple in 2024-25. It's available to people over State Pension age with low income.

It's not means-tested in the punitive sense many expect. Homeowners qualify. People with small private pensions qualify. Modest savings don't automatically disqualify you.

The shocking uptake gap:

Only 62% of eligible pensioners claim Pension Credit. That means 38% who qualify don't receive it.

Around 800,000 pensioner households entitled to Pension Credit don't receive it. On average, eligible pensioners miss out on £41 per week—that's £2,132 per year. The total unclaimed is approximately £2.8 billion annually.

Why people don't claim:

  • Lack of awareness ("I didn't know it existed")
  • Stigma ("Benefits aren't for people like me")
  • Incorrect assumptions ("I own my home so I won't qualify")
  • Process seems complicated (it isn't—most applications take 20 minutes)

Who's most likely to miss out:

Couples are particularly likely not to claim—48% of entitled couples don't claim compared to 35% of single pensioners. Under-75s miss out more than over-75s. People with small private pensions or modest savings often assume they won't qualify.

What Pension Credit unlocks:

Pension Credit is the "gateway benefit" that opens doors to:

  • Winter Fuel Payment (retained for Pension Credit claimants even after 2024 policy changes)
  • Council Tax Reduction (can be 25-100% depending on local authority)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Free TV licence for over-75s

How to help your parents check eligibility:

  1. Use the Pension Credit calculator at gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator (takes 5 minutes)
  2. Apply online at gov.uk, by phone (0800 99 1234), or by post
  3. Claims can be backdated up to 3 months—but not further, so don't delay

Linda's 76-year-old mother lived on State Pension (£11,534 per year) plus a tiny private pension of £1,800 per year—total income £13,334. Linda assumed she'd never qualify for help because she owned her home outright.

Using the online calculator took 5 minutes and revealed she was entitled to £4,100 per year in Pension Credit. That's £341 extra every month—enough to cover energy bills with money left over.

The calculator is free. Checking takes minutes. The financial difference can be life-changing.

Care Home Costs: The £23,250 Threshold Your Parents Need to Know

Care costs are the number one financial fear for older people. Most families have no idea how the system actually works until they're in crisis mode.

The 2025-26 capital limits:

The thresholds for care home costs in 2025-26 are:

  • Upper limit: £23,250 – Above this, you pay full care home costs
  • Lower limit: £14,250 – Below this, you only pay what you can afford from income
  • Between limits: Pay from income plus £1 per week for every £250 of capital above £14,250

Here's what that looks like in practice:

Capital What You Pay
Above £23,250 Full care home costs
£14,250-£23,250 Income + £1/week per £250 capital
Below £14,250 What you can afford from income

What counts as capital:

  • Savings and investments
  • Property (usually, if you're a permanent care home resident)
  • Value of stocks, shares, bonds
  • Premium Bonds

What's protected:

  • Personal belongings
  • The value of your home if your spouse or partner still lives there
  • Sometimes the value of your home if a close relative over 60 lives there
  • A personal expenses allowance of at least £30.65 per week (2025-26)

Reality check on costs:

Average care home costs vary significantly by location and care level:

  • Standard care home: £850-£1,000 per week (£44,000-£52,000 per year)
  • Nursing care: £1,000-£1,300 per week (£52,000-£67,600 per year)
  • London and Southeast: significantly higher

The reform that didn't happen:

In July 2024, the government cancelled planned reforms that would have raised the upper limit to £100,000 and introduced an £86,000 lifetime cap on care costs.

This means the current system continues. Families with assets above £23,250—especially those with property—could face catastrophic care costs until assets fall below that threshold.

Why this matters for your conversation:

If your parents have assets (particularly property) worth more than £23,250, they could be looking at paying full care costs. This is why:

  • Lasting Power of Attorney is crucial (to manage finances if they can't)
  • Understanding their assets and income is essential for planning
  • Early conversations about care preferences matter (home care vs care home)

What NOT to say:

"We need to protect the house from care home fees." This implies hiding assets, which is illegal. Local authorities can investigate deliberate deprivation of assets—gifts made specifically to avoid paying for care.

What TO say:

"Let's understand what your care options might cost and plan accordingly. If you ever need care, would you prefer to stay at home with support or move to a care home?"

Focus on preferences and realistic planning, not asset protection schemes.

Lasting Power of Attorney: Why Waiting Is Expensive

Many readers don't realize that without an LPA, they have no legal right to manage their parents' finances—even in an emergency, even as their only child.

What is an LPA?

A Lasting Power of Attorney lets your parent choose who can make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. There are two types:

  1. Property and Financial Affairs – Manage money, property, bills, benefits
  2. Health and Welfare – Medical treatment decisions, care arrangements, life-sustaining treatment

The window of opportunity:

LPAs can only be made while someone has mental capacity. Once capacity is lost through dementia, stroke, or severe illness, it's too late. The window closes.

What happens without an LPA:

If your parent loses capacity without an LPA in place:

  • You must apply to the Court of Protection to become a "deputy"
  • Application fee: £371 plus solicitor fees (often £2,000-£4,000 total)
  • Processing time: 6-12 months
  • During that time: Bills may go unpaid, benefits unclaimed, care fees mounting with no legal authority to access funds
  • Ongoing: Annual supervision fees and reporting requirements to the Court

The LPA alternative:

  • Cost: £92 to register each LPA (Property & Finance and Health & Welfare are separate, so £184 for both)
  • Time: 8-10 weeks to register once forms are submitted
  • Who decides: Your parent chooses their attorney(s)
  • Flexibility: Can appoint multiple people, set conditions, give specific instructions
  • No ongoing fees or supervision once registered

Uptake statistics:

More than 5 million LPAs are now registered in the UK. The number continues to grow as awareness increases, particularly since the pandemic highlighted the importance of planning for unexpected incapacity.

How to raise it with your parents:

"If something happened and you couldn't manage your bank accounts, who would you want to handle that? An LPA lets you choose—without one, the courts decide."

Frame it as their choice vs court-imposed control.

Ruth's 73-year-old father had early-stage dementia but could still have lucid conversations and meet the legal test for capacity. Ruth raised the subject of an LPA during a calm afternoon. Her father said, "I trust you—let's do it now while I can."

Six months later, his condition deteriorated rapidly. Because the LPA was registered, Ruth could pay his bills, arrange care, claim benefits on his behalf, and manage his pension without any legal barriers. Learn more about how to choose an attorney for your LPA.

Her friend's father, in the same situation without an LPA, faced a 9-month Court of Protection battle costing £3,200. During those nine months, bills went into arrears and the family had to fund care costs from their own money while waiting for deputyship approval.

The difference between £184 (two LPAs) and £3,200 (deputyship) is stark. The difference in stress and time is even starker.

Protecting Your Parents From Financial Abuse

This is an uncomfortable truth: around half of elderly financial abuse is perpetrated by family members—often adult children. That doesn't mean you're an abuser. But it does mean you need to recognize warning signs and create safeguards that protect everyone, including yourself.

The scale of the problem:

Approximately 130,000 UK people aged 65 and over have experienced financial abuse since turning 65. Between 60-80% of financial abuse takes place in the home, and around half is perpetrated by adult sons and daughters.

The vast majority goes unreported. Victims don't realize what's happening, are afraid of consequences, or want to protect the abuser.

Why it's rising:

Post-pandemic, more elderly people rely on others for help with technology and online banking—creating new vulnerabilities. Social isolation means fewer people notice unusual financial activity.

Warning signs:

  • Unexplained withdrawals or transfers from accounts
  • Sudden changes to wills, LPAs, or beneficiaries
  • Unpaid bills despite having adequate funds
  • Isolation from other family members or friends
  • New "friend" or carer who shows excessive interest in finances
  • Reluctance to discuss money when they were previously open
  • Confusion about missing money, cards, or assets

Types of financial abuse:

  • Theft: Taking money, bank cards, or valuables without permission
  • Coercion: Pressuring to change wills, give "gifts," or transfer assets
  • Misuse of LPA: Attorney using their position for personal benefit rather than the donor's
  • Fraud: Fake tradespeople, romance scams, phone scams claiming to be from HMRC or banks

Safeguards you can put in place:

  1. Transparency: Encourage your parents to discuss major financial decisions with multiple family members before acting
  2. Monitoring: Offer to review bank statements together monthly (with their permission and involvement)
  3. Registration: Register LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian (creates oversight and prevents unauthorised documents)
  4. Professional involvement: Suggest involving a solicitor or financial advisor for significant decisions
  5. Education: Make parents aware of common scams—HMRC doesn't call demanding immediate payment, banks never ask for full passwords

What to do if you suspect abuse:

  • Document your concerns (dates, amounts, specific incidents)
  • Speak to your parent privately when the suspected abuser isn't present
  • Contact Age UK Helpline: 0800 678 1602
  • Report to Adult Social Services at your local council
  • In emergencies involving immediate risk, contact the police

The difficult reality:

If you're the primary carer, others might suspect you. Protect yourself and your parent:

  • Keep clear records of all financial transactions
  • Involve other family members in major decisions where possible
  • Consider professional advice for significant decisions (property sales, large gifts, will changes)
  • Never mix your finances with your parent's (separate accounts, clear documentation)

Frame this as "safeguarding" not "suspicion." You're creating a system that protects your parent and gives everyone peace of mind.

What to Do If Your Parent Refuses to Talk About Money

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, parents won't engage. Some resistance is insurmountable. That's difficult—but it's also their right if they have capacity.

Why parents resist:

  • Loss of control: Feels like you're taking over or infantilizing them
  • Pride: Admitting they need help feels like failure or weakness
  • Privacy: Money is deeply personal; sharing feels like exposing vulnerability
  • Denial: Thinking about incapacity or death is frightening
  • Family dynamics: Old conflicts, favouritism issues, or distrust
  • Cultural norms: In many cultures, elders have authority and don't answer to children

Strategies when met with resistance:

1. Don't push too hard

Forcing the conversation can damage trust and make them more defensive. Sometimes you need to step back, respect boundaries, and try again later.

2. Try a different approach:

  • Share a relevant news story or article (like this one)
  • Ask them to help you with your financial planning (positions them as expert)
  • Suggest a third party—financial advisor, solicitor, Age UK—who might be less emotionally charged
  • Frame it around specific concerns: "I'm worried about bills getting missed" rather than vague "money talk"

3. Focus on one thing:

If comprehensive financial discussion is off the table, prioritize:

  • First priority: Lasting Power of Attorney (most urgent—window closes with capacity)
  • Second: Location of will and important documents
  • Third: Understanding basic income and benefits eligibility

Get agreement on the most critical piece rather than demanding everything at once.

4. Get siblings or trusted friends involved:

Sometimes a sibling, close friend, family doctor, or trusted solicitor can broach the subject more effectively than you can. They're not in the parent-child dynamic.

5. Accept limitations:

You can't force someone with mental capacity to share financial information. If they refuse and are mentally competent, that's their legal right. Respect it.

When to escalate concerns:

If you genuinely believe your parent lacks capacity to manage finances or is at serious risk of harm:

  • Speak to their GP (with their permission if possible, or express concern to the practice)
  • Contact Adult Social Services for a needs assessment
  • Seek legal advice about capacity assessments and safeguarding referrals

Tom's 80-year-old mother flatly refused to discuss finances: "I've managed for 60 years without your help." Tom felt frustrated but didn't push further.

Instead, he asked a simpler, more practical question: "If you were in hospital and couldn't get to the bank, how would your bills get paid?"

His mother admitted she didn't know. Tom suggested setting up direct debits for essential bills—gas, electric, council tax—so they'd be paid automatically. His mother agreed to that specific, practical solution without feeling interrogated about her overall finances.

Six months later, his mother had a fall and spent three weeks in hospital. The direct debits kept everything running smoothly. She later admitted Tom had been right to suggest it.

What NOT to do:

  • Go behind their back (access accounts without permission—this is illegal)
  • Involve the entire family (feels like ganging up)
  • Use fear tactics ("You'll lose the house!")
  • Make it about inheritance or your convenience

What TO do:

  • Respect their autonomy and right to privacy
  • Focus on their wellbeing and wishes, not your anxiety
  • Offer support without taking over
  • Revisit the conversation periodically as circumstances change

Progress might be slow. Small steps forward are still progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I start talking to my parents about their finances?

A: The best time is when they're feeling well and can clearly express their wishes. Don't wait for a crisis—early conversations when parents are healthy allow them to maintain control and dignity. Good triggers include relevant life events like a friend's parent moving into care, retirement planning, or after turning 65 when benefits eligibility changes. MoneyHelper recommends having these discussions before urgent decisions are needed.

Q: How do I approach the money conversation without offending my parents?

A: Start by explaining you're not trying to take over—you just want to understand their wishes and support them. Frame it around their goals: "I want to make sure we respect your wishes if something happens." Choose a calm, private moment when they're feeling well. Acknowledge it's uncomfortable and respect if they need time to think. Let them lead where possible and emphasise you're there to help, not take control.

Q: What financial information do I actually need from my elderly parents?

A: You need to know: where important documents are kept (will, deeds, insurance policies), who their solicitor and financial advisor are, their bank accounts and savings, pension details, insurance policies, debts or regular payments, and whether they have a Lasting Power of Attorney. You should also understand their income sources, including state pension (£11,534 per year in 2024), private pensions, and benefits they may be entitled to like Pension Credit.

Q: What is Pension Credit and how do I help my parents claim it?

A: Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £201.05 (single) or £306.85 (couple) in 2024-25. Shockingly, 800,000 eligible pensioners don't claim it—missing out on £2,132 per year on average. It also unlocks other support like Winter Fuel Payment and Council Tax Reduction. Check eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator. Many assume they won't qualify because they own their home or have a small private pension, but these don't automatically disqualify them.

Q: How do care home costs affect my parents' finances in 2025?

A: In 2025-26, if your parents have assets above £23,250 (including property), they pay full care home costs. Between £14,250-£23,250, they pay from income plus £1 per week per £250 of capital. Below £14,250, they only pay what they can afford from income. Average care home costs £850-£1,200 per week depending on location and care level. These thresholds are critical—the planned increase to £100,000 was cancelled in July 2024.

Q: What happens if my parent loses mental capacity without a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A: Without an LPA, you cannot legally manage their finances—even as their child. You'd need to apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship, which costs £371 plus solicitor fees (often £2,000+) and takes 6-12 months. During this time, bills may go unpaid and benefits unclaimed. An LPA costs £92 to register (as of November 2025), takes 8-10 weeks, and lets your parent choose who they trust. More than 5 million LPAs are now registered in the UK.

Q: How can I protect my elderly parents from financial abuse?

A: Around 130,000 UK elderly people have experienced financial abuse since age 65, with half of cases perpetrated by adult children or family members. Warning signs include unexplained withdrawals, sudden changes to wills or LPAs, unpaid bills despite adequate funds, or isolation from family. Set up safeguards: encourage them to discuss major decisions with multiple family members, register their LPA so attorneys are monitored, check bank statements regularly together, and report concerns to Age UK's helpline (0800 678 1602) or Adult Social Services.

Conclusion

These conversations are never easy. You're navigating role reversal, family dynamics, and uncomfortable truths about aging and mortality.

Key takeaways:

  • Start the conversation early—when parents are healthy and in control, not during a crisis when capacity may be compromised
  • Gather essential information gradually: document locations, income sources, benefits, LPAs, professional contacts
  • Approach with empathy and respect: you're there to support their wishes, not take control of their lives
  • Check Pension Credit eligibility—800,000 UK pensioners miss out on £2,132 per year on average
  • Prioritize Lasting Power of Attorney: without one, Court of Protection costs £2,000+ and takes 6-12 months

Silence creates bigger problems than discomfort. When a crisis hits—and statistically, it will—you'll be grateful you had the conversation early.

More importantly, your parents will get the support they need, the way they want it, because you took the time to understand their wishes. That's not about control. It's about love.

Need Help With Your Will?

If this article has made you realize your parents need financial planning conversations, you probably need to have them for yourself too. Modeling the behavior—creating your own will and LPA—makes it easier to discuss these topics with your parents. Leading by example removes the stigma.

Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete will (legally binding when properly executed and witnessed) plus three expert guides. Preview your will free before paying anything—no credit card required.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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