Why Lasting Powers Of Attorney Are So Important – Misconceptions and Practical Considerations

April 9, 2020

Why Lasting Powers Of Attorney Are So Important – Misconceptions and Practical Considerations

 

Have you ever stopped to consider who would make decisions for you in relation to your property, finances and health if you were not able to?

It is a common misconception that your partner or close family member can automatically make decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

Only a Lasting Power of Attorney gives someone the legal ability to make decisions on your behalf.

It is important that everyone should be able to plan for their future on their own terms with people they trust the most.

There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:-

 

  • Property and Financial Decisions

 

  • Health and Welfare

Both documents are as important as each other, however you do not have to make them both at the same time.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney, you are deciding who you would want to make those important decisions for you and how.

You can appoint more than one person to act for you and you can decide whether they make decisions jointly and/or independently.

Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place does not mean that you are losing control. It means that you have taken action to ensure that you have someone you trust who can step in and make decisions for you when you are not able to do so.

You can decide whether it can be used immediately or only when you have lost capacity.

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, someone would need to apply through the court system for permission to act on your behalf, which is a time consuming and expensive process.

Please contact us for an informal discussion with one of our Life Planning Solicitors who can advise you of your options based on your own individual circumstances and requirements.

Telephone: 01685 350421         Email: Law@jnplegal.org