Powers of Attorney

Life is unpredictable and none of us knows what the future may hold. A Lasting Power of Attorney gives you peace of mind by making sure someone you trust can make important decisions on your behalf if you can’t make those decisions yourself or if you need help.

We make the process simple and straightforward, helping you put the right documents in place to protect your future and your family.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people (Attorneys) to act on your behalf. There are different types of power of attorney, the most common are:

• Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs – lets someone you trust manage things like your bank accounts, bills, property or investments
• Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare – lets someone make decisions about your medical care, daily routines or even where you live if you can’t decide for yourself
• General Power of Attorney – often a short-term option or used for specific situations such as going abroad, this allows someone you appoint to manage day to day financial tasks for a while. It cannot be used if you lose mental capacity
• Enduring Power of Attorney – similar in effect to the Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs, these documents can no longer be created, but they may still be used in certain circumstances

You may think that Lasting Powers of Attorney are only needed when you approach or reach later life and you could be left suffering from memory loss or illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia - but that’s not the case. Losing the ability to make decisions can happen at any time and at any age when a stroke, serious injury after an accident or an unexpected medical event can sadly affect us all.  In these situations, you may need help quickly from trusted family members or friends who can step in to make decisions on your behalf when you no longer can. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your loved ones may face lengthy and expensive court applications before they can make any decisions for you and a court may even appoint someone you don’t want to act for you.

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney now ensures:

• You stay in control by choosing who acts for you
• Your family avoids stress and uncertainty during difficult times, and
• Your wishes are respected for both financial and healthcare decisions

We’ll guide you through every step of the process, including:

• Explaining your options clearly and simply, taking into account your family circumstances
• Advising you on the complex legal matters relating to the preparation and use of Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Advising you on your choice of Attorneys and how they may act
• Drafting and registering your Lasting Power of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian
• Making sure your choices reflect your personal wishes and circumstances

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most responsible and caring steps you can take for yourself and for your family. Don’t wait until it’s too late.