It's wise to contact a solicitor when you wish to make a Power of Attorney. They can advise you on the different options that may be available and how to get the best use out of a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney can protect your assets, your money and property.
You can have:
- a Lasting Power of Attorney
- a General Power of Attorney
- Register an Enduring Power of Attorney
- or have an Ordinary Power of Attorney
We can guide you through the steps ahead. It is wise to make a Lasting Power of Attorney if you are suffering with any health issues or are due to retire. A Power of Attorney is especially important in cases of Alzheimer's disease, Dementia or Parkinson's. It can allow your attorney the power to make decisions on your behalf relating to health treatment or financial matters. You can make a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare or Property and Finance in the UK or you can choose to make both. Both documents will give you and your family added protection. We would recommend that you make a Power of Attorney if there are any family disputes or you have limited family members available to help you. You should make a Power of Attorney as soon as possible so the registration process can be completed. Some people think that only older people need a Power of Attorney but this is not the case. Younger people should make a Power of Attorney, to protect their children, their business or their property.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney can give you the power to access finances if a family member needs long term care or to pay bills or even sell the house. Even if you are married, you may not be able to access a bank account of your spouse, if it is in their sole name, if they are unable to provide consent for you to do so. This can cause problems in the future. If a Power of Attorney is not in place, an application will need to be made to the Court of Protection for a Deputy Order. This is an expensive complicated process, fraught with delays and takes approximately a year. In the meantime, nobody is able to access the bank accounts or sell the house and it can cause financial troubles.
How to get Power of Attorney?
Please contact Charlene Ash if you have any questions about a Power of Attorney or long term care. You may want to find out how much it costs to get a Power of Attorney. We can prepare all the power of attorney forms for you, arrange for everyone to sign the paperwork and complete the registration with the Office of the Public Guardian. We can arrange home visits or visits to hospitals or care homes. We can take the pressure off you at this difficult time and make things easier for the future. You can also make a Will and a Power of Attorney. Please get in touch on 02921 406152 or email us at enquiries@calonlaw.com