Laterhood was created from a very personal thought: what happens as we get older if there isn't an adult child who will naturally step in and take care of things?

For many people, that question isn't something far off in the future. It affects the decisions we make now - who knows where important information is kept, who should be contacted if something happens, what arrangements we've made, and who we trust to help when we need it.

I'm Claire Haas, and I created Laterhood because these are questions I've been thinking about for my own future too.

I wanted somewhere that made planning ahead feel practical rather than daunting - somewhere you could gradually put things in order, make your wishes and arrangements easier to find, and involve people you trust without handing over control of your life.

That's how Laterhood began.

A plan that belongs to you

Laterhood is designed to help you think through the practical parts of later life and keep important information together in your Laterhood Plan.

You decide what you want to record, who you trust, and how much they should be involved.

You can nominate Trusted People, set up check-ins, record where important documents and information can be found, and leave private Messages for Later.

You don't have to complete everything at once. Your plan can grow and change as your life does.

Most importantly, you remain in control.

Because families and support networks are different

Laterhood is particularly conscious of people who may not have an adult child to rely on in later life - but it isn't only for them.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some people have children who live thousands of miles away. Some have complicated family relationships. Others rely more on friends, siblings, neighbours or people they've chosen to have in their lives.

Planning ahead shouldn't assume that everyone has the same family structure.

Laterhood lets you choose the people you trust and decide the part, if any, you'd like them to play.

Practical help when you need it

There are also times when planning ahead requires professional expertise.

The Laterhood Professional Directory helps members find businesses and professionals offering services relevant to later-life planning, from financial and legal matters to practical support.

Laterhood doesn't tell you which decisions to make. The aim is to give you the tools, information and connections that can make making your own decisions easier.

Building Laterhood

Laterhood is still growing, and I'm building it with real life in mind.

That means keeping things understandable, avoiding unnecessary jargon and continually asking whether something is genuinely useful to someone planning their own future.

There is much more I want Laterhood to become, but the principle behind it will remain the same:

Plan ahead. Choose the people you trust. Keep control of your own future.

Claire Haas
Founder of Laterhood

The Laterhood Plan is not a will or legal document and does not replace one.