|
Good reasons to make a Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document giving someone else the power to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer capable of doing so. These could be financial decisions or decisions about your welfare.
They are very important documents, and should not be taken out lightly or without expert advice. But are they worth doing?
Yes and here are some reasons why:
| 1. |
We are all living longer. This is undoubtedly a good thing, but it does mean that more of us are likely to be afflicted with conditions that affect our mental capacity. It makes sense to plan ahead, just in case it happens to you. Once you no longer have mental capacity, perhaps because of the onset of Dementia, you cannot make a Power of Attorney. |
| 2. |
It makes it easier for your friends/relatives to take care of you. If something happens to you, such as a serious road accident, for example, and you don’t have a power of attorney in place, then it can be difficult for your relatives or friends to deal with things like your bills or mortgage without going to court first. |
| 3. |
You can appoint someone you trust. If the court has to appoint someone to take care of your affairs, it might not be the person you would have wanted, given the choice. |
| 4. |
It is not just about money. Even if you don’t have much money or property to take care of, a power of attorney can allow the person you trust to make decisions about your welfare – whether you should have an operation, for example. |
| 5. |
You can restrict what your attorney deals with. A power of attorney can authorise someone to deal with your finances and property alone, or only your welfare, or both together, if that is what you prefer. |
| 6. |
You can appoint different people. You can appoint one attorney to deal with your finances and property, and someone completely different to make the welfare decisions, if that suits you better. |
| 7. |
You can appoint joint attorneys. You can appoint two or more people to act together as your attorney. You can also appoint a replacement attorney in case something happens to the person you originally chose. Joint attorneys can act together or independently – it is up to you. |
| 8. |
You can delay the coming into effect of the power of attorney. If you don’t want the power of attorney to come into effect unless or until you become mentally incapable, you can say so. Your attorney will then have to produce medical evidence of your mental incapacity before he can use the power of attorney. |
| 9. |
You can cancel the power of attorney at any time. That is, so long as you are still mentally capable. |
| 10. |
It gives you peace of mind. No one wants to lose control over their affairs, but it can be reassuring to have thought through what you would like to happen, and made arrangements accordingly. |
| 11. |
If you do not have a Power of Attorney and your family wish to act on your behalf but you do not have the mental capacity to make a Power then the Court will have to step in. This is an expensive and can be a lengthy process. |
A Power of Attorney does not stop you from conducting your own affairs and you can end the Power of Attorney at any time or appoint different attorneys to act for you as long as you are still mentally capable of dealing with your affairs.
Please contact Robert Males on 01442 430900 to arrange your appointment to discuss your Power of Attorney.
Fees
| Single Power of Attorney |
£300 + VAT – total £360.00 |
| Each additional Power of Attorney or Will |
£150.00 + VAT – total £180.00 |
Please note that a Court fee, currently £130.00, is payable in respect of each Power or Attorney
We take all major debit and credit cards including American Express or you can pay online.
|
|
