Lasting Powers of Attorney
Have you thought about what would happen if you needed assistance in making decisions during your lifetime if you were incapable of managing your affairs?
You may already be familiar with the term “Power of Attorney”. In 2007 the law regarding Enduring Powers of Attorney as they were referred to, changed. You can now complete a legal document called a “Lasting Power of Attorney” which allows you to appoint someone you trust to act as your “Attorney” to make decisions on your behalf. Attorneys can make decisions for you when you no longer wish to make those decisions or when you lack capacity to do so.
Appointing an Attorney is an important decision. The appointment can be to make decisions in respect of your Health and Welfare, your Financial Affairs or both. A Lasting Power of Attorney cannot be used until it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
By completing a Lasting Power of Attorney you are able to plan how your affairs will be looked after in the future. You can plan in advance: -
• Decisions you want made if you are unable to make those decisions;
• The people you want to make those decisions for you; and
• How you want those people to make those decisions.
Making the decision to complete a Lasting Power of Attorney is an important one. Our specialist solicitors are members of Trust and Estate Practitioners and our staff are experienced in advising on all aspects of Lasting Powers of Attorney and the registration process.
If you do not make a Lasting Power of Attorney and were to lose capacity, it would be necessary for someone to make an application to be appointed as your “Deputy”. These types of application are also made to the Office of the Public Guardian but take longer and are more costly than preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney in advance.
We are experienced in dealing with Deputyship applications and the general financial management of those who are no longer able to look after their financial affairs.
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Stephen Dove |
Justin Wallace |
Michael Stephens |
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Pennie Maunder |
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