Each year, thousands of people become incapable of looking after their own affairs due to injury or illnesses.
As a result of this everyone, whatever their age, should consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney. This is a document which gives another person or persons the legal authority to act for you when you are unable to do so for yourself.
If you do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney and become mentally incapable the only way in which your loved ones may act on your behalf will be via an application to the Court of Protection which is a long and costly process. People often assume that their husband/wife/partner/children are automatically able to make decisions in the event that you do not have capacity. However this is not the case. We are often approached by people to prepare a Power of Attorney when the person in question has already lost capacity at which time it is too late.
There are two types of Power of Attorney one which deals with your Property & Affairs i.e. money and one that deals with Health & Welfare i.e. medical decisions and daily care.
A Power of Attorney is a powerful document and we would always suggest taking legal advice when completing the document to ensure that your needs are met and you are fully protected. For the best advice on how to make a Power of Attorney call 01782 662424 today to speak to one of our Wills and Probate Solicitors.
