A
lasting power of attorney is a legal tool which allows you to appoint
an individual that you trust by giving them authority to make certain
decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. By
creating a lasting power of attorney, you will be eliminating the
anxiety of your loved ones of managing your finances should you lose
mental capacity.
The
appointed individual will be given the legal authority to manage your
finances and also the authority to deal with matters concerning your
health and welfare if you get to a stage where you are unable to do
so.
By
not creating a lasting power of attorney and should there come a time
in the future that you lose mental capacity, the Court of Protection
may become involved in appointing someone else to make decisions on
your behalf. In the event of this happening, your
loved ones may have to go through both lengthy and distressing delays
in addition to the expense of applying to the court to seek authority
on your behalf, which they may not even be given. You must be aware
that an application could also be made by a person you
do not trust or do not wish to give authority to!
Creating
a lasting power of attorney does not mean that you have lost control.
You are in fact more in control as you have had the chance to
appoint someone who trust. You are also able to choose whether it can
be used either before or put into action only after you lose mental
capacity.
The
requirements for being able to create a lasting power of attorney are
simple.
- You must be over 18 years of age
- You must have mental capacity with the ability to make your own decisions at the time the lasting power of attorney is created
Both
adults and young adults can lose mental capacity at any stage in life
through for example, illness and accidents. It is therefore
recommended that a lasting power of attorney is created as soon as
one is able to.
If
someone is already diagnosed with a condition likely to cause loss of
mental capacity, they are strongly advised to consider creating a
lasting power of attorney.
It
is important to create lasting power of attorney whilst you are still
mentally capable to do so and before it is required to ensure that
your finances are protected and being managed by an individual
appointed and trusted by you.
Aschfords
Law are highly experienced in advising and creating lasting power of
attorneys for a range of clients. Our Private Client team provide all
clients with discrete and personal advice which is tailored to their
own individual circumstances and requirements.
So
if you are considering creating a lasting power of attorney or simply
want to know more, do not delay and contact Aschfords Law on 020 3586
4050 to speak with our expert lawyers. You can also email to
info@aschfordslaw.com
Aschfords
Law provides a legal service that is honest and transparent. We
endeavour to save cost and fee for the client wherever possible.
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Law also provides legal advice and assistance in respect of matters
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