An Introduction To Power Of Attorney

All powers of attorney are prepared and checked by a specialist Solicitor so you have peace of mind that it is correct and accords with your wishes.

There are two main types of Power of Attorney which enable you to appoint people to deal with your personal affairs should you find yourself incapable of doing so, whether due to physical or mental incapacity.

Property and Financial Affairs

This type of Lasting Power of Attorney permits someone to deal with all financial matters on your behalf. This can include paying your bills, managing investments even buying and selling property. You can decide if you want it to start immediately following registration with the Office of the Public Guardian, even if you still have the capacity to make your own decisions. This could be useful, for example, where you are abroad for a certain period or you are receiving medical treatment and you would like your attorney to deal with your affairs during that period.

Health and Welfare

This type of Lasting Power of Attorney can only be used should you lose capacity to act in respect of your own affairs. It relates to more personal decisions such as where you live or what type of care you receive. It can also extend to deciding whether to provide your Attorney(s) with the authority to make decisions with regards medical treatment and your general health and welfare.

Curtis Legal can:

• Prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare;
• Act as Certificate Provider;
• Advise on the inclusion of preferences and instructions suited to your needs.

Court of Protection – Deputyship

If there is no Lasting Power of Attorney in place, and you have to deal with issues with a loved one who was lost capacity then an application for a Court Order will need to be submitted on your behalf to the Court of Protection. We can help you with such applications and can also act as a professional deputy where you do not wish to have the responsibility of doing so.

We can support you through the process of preparing and registering your Lasting Power of Attorney and deputyship and advise you fully so you have total peace of mind.