Supporting a Client with Early-Stage Dementia to Put Their Will in Place

A gentleman recently contacted Soteria Estate Planning after being diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Having heard that a dementia diagnosis meant he could no longer make a Will, he was worried he had left it too late to ensure his wishes would be respected and his family protected.

As an Adviser at Soteria Estate Planning, I understand that mental capacity should never be assumed based solely on a medical diagnosis. Every client must be assessed individually, and many people living with dementia still have the legal capacity to make important decisions about their estate.

During our meeting, I took the time to speak with the client in a calm and supportive environment, carefully explaining the purpose of a Will and discussing his wishes in detail. By asking appropriate questions and ensuring he fully understood the decisions he was making, it became clear that he had the necessary mental capacity to proceed.

With the correct assessment completed, we were able to prepare and finalise his Will, giving him peace of mind that his estate would be distributed according to his wishes. The client and his family were relieved to learn that his diagnosis alone did not prevent him from putting these important plans in place.

This Planning Story demonstrates Soteria Estate Planning’s commitment to treating every client as an individual. We understand that conditions such as dementia do not automatically remove mental capacity, and we take the time to ensure every person is given the opportunity to make informed decisions wherever legally possible.

Have questions about this case study or need advice tailored to your own circumstances? Contact our friendly team at Soteria Estate Planning by calling 01344 531521 or request a meeting via our Calendly booking system.