We are able to offer full assistance to clients wishing to prepare Powers of Attorney with immediate effect or in preparation for the loss of mental or physical capacity.
The appointment of an Attorney is a much more complicated procedure than it was previously. It is now possible to appoint an Attorney to act on your behalf in relation to your Property and Affairs and separately in relation to your Personal Welfare.
Prior to 1st October 2007, a client could complete an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). Any existing EPA is still valid and can be used. If the donor of the EPA loses mental capacity the EPA must be registered with the Court of Protection. There is a strict procedure to follow, but we can help you with this.
Both kinds of Power of Attorney can be extremely valuable and not just when someone loses the ability to deal with their affairs completely due to mental incapacity. For example, a Property and Finances Power of Attorney can enable to attorney to sign a document or cheque for someone who is struggling with their eyesight and to speak to the DWP on the phone for someone who cannot hear very well. Similarly, a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney is now often requested by a care home for new residents so that if at any point the resident is unable to make a decision about care or medical treatment, the attorney can step in and continuity of care is ensured.
We have prepared an information sheet about Powers of Attorney that you can download for free by filling in the form below:
