What is Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which gives authority to the Attorney to make
specific decisions on behalf of another person. The Lasting Powers of Attorney replaced the Enduring
Powers of Attorney in 2007 and is a more versatile document.
Two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Property and Affairs – This gives authority to the attorney to deal with your property and
finance as you specify before capacity is even lost.
- Health and Personal Welfare- This allows your attorney to make decisions on your behalf
regarding health and welfare in the event that you lack the mental capacity to do so.
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It is crucial that when you choose an attorney that they are trustworthy and have the necessary skills
to make beneficial and appropriate decisions on your behalf. If you choose to have more than one
attorney you can instruct them to work together or independently depending on the circumstances.
When can your attorney act?
- Your appointed attorney can only begin to act once you have both signed a document that has been
independently witnessed by a ‘certificate provider’ so that you understand the nature and scope of
the document and to ensure you haven’t been forced to sign the document. It also needs to be
registered with the Office of Public Guardian.
Why should you make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
- It is important to make a Lasting Power of Attorney in the event that you may need one. These are
not restricted to the elderly and infirm as there is no indication as to what may happen in the future
or when you may need a Lasting Power of Attorney.
- Without one it may be necessary to apply the
Court of Protection to appoint a deputy if you lose capacity for any reason such as; an accident,
sudden illness, a stroke or an unforeseen event that could cause you to lose capacity to be able to
make decisions for yourself.
- This process is one that will be expensive and time consuming, which
may lead to family disputes and the outcome may not reflect your wishes or desires.
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