2 GOOD REASONS TO MAKE A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

Two Good Reasons To Make Lasting Power of Attorney | Middletons Law Firm | Andover Solicitors

Last week I was asked by a relative of an elderly client to go to Salisbury hospital to see my client about making a Lasting Power of Attorney. I arrived with a retired social worker who I had asked to act as an independent person who could verify that my Client fully understood the nature of the document she was being asked to sign, and sign the appropriate certificate.

Unfortunately the hospital administrator would not allow me to discuss the matter with my client as her consultant did not consider that she had the mental capacity to understand why I was there to see her. The journey was wasted, but more importantly there is still no one who is able to look after her financial affairs. Her home is unoccupied and her future is uncertain. Now I will need to consider the longer and more costly process of applying to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a Deputy to look after her affairs.

My client is in her 80s and made a Will many years ago before Lasting Powers of Attorney came into being. It is a shame that no one made her aware of the advantages of making a Lasting Power of Attorney before it became necessary for someone else to take care of her affairs.

This week I saw another elderly client who had been encouraged by her children to see me about making a Lasting Power of Attorney. During our discussions she asked me why there is so much publicity about the need to make a Will but very little about the need to make a Lasting Power of Attorney. I could not give her an adequate answer but her comment inspired me to write this blog. All adults should be encouraged to make a Lasting Power of Attorney while we have the capacity to do so. None of us know what is round the corner and so we have no idea when it may necessary for someone else to look after our financial affairs. If you would like more information about this topic please get in touch.