Have you thought about what would happen to your affairs if you were
unable to handle them yourself, whether through mental incapacity, or simply
being away from home?
A Power of Attorney enables you to choose someone you know and trust to make
financial and property decisions on your behalf, and by restricting the types of
affairs they can manage, you can still retain some control if you wish.
Following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, on the 1st October
2007, two types of Powers of Attorney are now available in England and Wales.
There may come a time when, whether through accident or illness, you are
incapable of managing your property and affairs, and may need someone to do it
for you. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables you to formally appoint a
friend, relative or professional to make financial, property, health and welfare decisions on your behalf.
The Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used to manage your finances and property while you still have
capacity, as well as when you lack capacity, although it can only be used once
it’s registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
The Health and Welfare LPA allows decisions regarding your personal healthcare and welfare to be taken by somebody else when you lack the capacity to make them for yourself; for example if you are unconscious or because of the onset of a condition such as dementia.
For further information on Lasting Power of Attorney view our Lasting Power of Attorney Guide
Even if you are mentally capable of looking after your own financial affairs,
there may be a time when you need someone to deal with them for you, for
example: if you are going overseas for a long period of time. A General Power of
Attorney (GPA) allows you to appoint a friend, relative or professional to
handle your finances and property on your behalf, whilst you still have mental
capacity.
The powers you give your Attorney are very wide and include the ability to do
anything you could do with your finances and property, unless you decide to
restrict what they can do. Your GPA can be operated under your direction if you wish, for example, if you are in hospital and you wish your Attorney to write some cheques for you.
For further information on General Power of Attorney view our General Power of Attorney Guide
To apply
Please complete either a:
Skipton Will Writing Service is provided by Skipton Trustees Limited. Registered office: The Bailey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1DN. Registered in England no. 6258324. Skipton Will
Writing Service is administered by Redstone Wills Limited, Windmill Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38 9BY. Company no. 3673190. Skipton Estate and Trust Administration Service is administered by Pearson Jones plc of Clayton Wood Close, West Park Ring Road, Leeds, LS16 6QE.