As a nation we are living longer, and illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer's are on the increase.
Though it is unpleasant to think about, there may come a time where important decisions will need to be made for you, and these powers are not automatically transferred to a significant other, contrary to popular belief.
Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney in relation to your property and financial affairs and/or your personal health and welfare whilst you are fit and able allows you to decide who will manage your affairs should you be incapacitated in later life.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows a trusted party to make key decisions such as who will provide your health care and what will happen to your finances if the time comes when you lack the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.
If you don't decide who you want to manage your affairs should you no longer be able to do so yourself, your family will be forced to apply to the Court of Protection to allow them to carry out the simplest of tasks such as cancel a direct debit or draw out funds to pay for your care.
A spouse or child does not have an automatic right to deal with accounts in your sole name, even when you are no longer capable.
There are two forms of Lasting Power of Attorneys that can be written, one covering finance and property, the other healthcare and personal welfare. At Garratts we can help you draft both. You are able to choose different attorneys for each LPA.
Write Your Lasting Power of Attorney With the Experts at Garratts
Garratts solicitors have the expertise to draft your LPA, register it and provide storage of the same should you so wish.
