Power of Attorney
What is Power of Attorney?
No-one likes to imagine being unable to manage their own affairs, but should illness or accident cause you to lose capacity you will need someone you trust with a legal Power of Attorney to make decisions on your behalf. Your Attorney will be able to make decisions about the practical and legal issues affecting your future and planning for the future can make such situations as straightforward as possible for your family and friends.
It may be useful to refer to our list of Abbreviations Used in Community Care Law and Abbreviations Used in SEN and Disability Law.
Making Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the legal document giving your chosen Attorney the authority to make decisions on your behalf when you no longer wish to or lack the mental capacity to do so. It is important that your LPA makes your instructions clear to your Attorney and other people. A legal advisor can ensure the process of making Powers of Attorney stress-free.
A specialist Power of Attorney solicitor will make sure your LPAs set out your intentions clearly with carefully worded preferences, conditions and guidance. This will ensure the document is not rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian when you apply to register the Power of Attorney, keeping the process as simple as possible.
Registering Power of Attorney
We can help you to register a Power of Attorney for a relative or friend. If your loved-one lacks Mental Capacity to make Lasting Powers of Attorney and did not make an Enduring Power of Attorney, we can help you apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as their Deputy.
The application process can be lengthy and costly so it is better to have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place. Without LPAs your family will have difficulty dealing with your financial matters and may have little say in your care and treatment.
To find out how our team of specialist Community Care lawyers can help you, contact us today on 01273 609911, or email info@ms-solicitors.co.uk.
