Lasting Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to choose two attorneys who would assist you if you ever lose your mental capacity.
There are two different powers of attorney to choose from:
Health and Welfare – This allows your attorneys to make decisions regarding your day to day care, if you need to move to a residential home and life sustaining operations.
Financial and Property – This allows your attorneys to sign cheques on your behalf, deal with your finances and choose what to do with your property.
There are strict rules attorneys have to follow and they will not be able to do anything they wish. You can also choose to include specific instructions on the power of attorney to make your wishes and feelings clear from the outset.
It is important to anticipate making a power of attorney at any age. Circumstances can unexpectedly change at any time; for example, if you were to receive life-changing injuries, which affected your whole life. Knowing that you have got that provision in place will give you and your family peace of mind during the stressful change.
If you are interested in making a Power of Attorney, please make an appointment to see one of our solicitors who will be happy to discuss the matter with you further.
Refund
If you have made a lasting or enduring power of attorney between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017 you may have been charged more than was necessary.
The Office of Public Guardian (OPG) reduced the Power of Attorney application fee from 1 April 2017. They have launched a refund scheme for those who paid too much between April 2013 and March 2017. If you believe you have been affected, you have until 31 January 2021 to make a claim.
For more details and information about how to claim a refund, please follow the link:
https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney-refund
Written by Alaw Pari JW Hughes & Co. LLP
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