Power of Attorney

The Team

Every adult has the right to look after his or her own money and affairs, however, sometimes our ability to do this, decreases as we grow older. Whether illness, disability, or even an accident causes this situation, there are practical steps that can be taken to prepare for this.

If this describes your situation, or that of someone close to you, you should consider getting legal advice. We can help you by encouraging you to get your affairs in order and make your wishes for the future known. This may involve anything from writing a Will to choosing someone to take power of attorney (legal authority to act for you) over your financial affairs, if this is necessary.

This can considerably lighten the burden on relatives or carers who might otherwise find it difficult to make complicated decisions on your behalf.

Where there is not enough time to take these precautionary steps, or if a person is already ‘incapacitated’ (unable to handle their own financial affairs), it is usually the relatives of the person who need advice. One of these options is to contact the Court of Protection, which can make arrangements for managing the person’s financial affairs.

If you are looking to make arrangements for yourself, we will need to know certain information about you:

What we will need to know about you.

If you are getting advice on behalf of an elderly person, we will first need to confirm with that person that they wish to instruct us and get the appropriate information. Once we have had a chance to consider the information, we can explain the options to you. The options are as follows:

	An ordinary power of attorney
	A lasting Power of attorney
	Personal welfare decisions
	The court of protection
	Appointeeship
	Other financial matters

If you are seeking advice about your financial affairs, we will need to know certain information about you, such as:

	whether or not you have made a Will;
	who you would choose to handle your affairs, if this is necessary;
	what assets or income you have;
	any special wishes about how you want your property or assets to be handled; and
	whether you have a special medical condition (if so, we will need to speak with your doctor).