Lasting Powers of Attorney – Do I need one?
If you are rendered incapacitated through: an accident, a stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s or for any other reason, who would have the authority to: manage your finances, withdraw money from your bank accounts, pay your bills or manage any property that you own?  Only the account holder, their attorney (if a Lasting Power of Attorney has been drafted) or the property owner have legal rights over these matters.  Therefore, bills may go unpaid, savings, investments etc. frozen.  
What if your property had to be sold in order to meet care costs or to purchase a bungalow? Are your family in a financial position to loan money to you, in order to meet these expenses?  If the answer is no, you really do need a Finance and Property Lasting Power of Attorney.    
What if you were hospitalised, for a period of time or unable to manage your affairs indefinitely?  Unless you have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, your next of kin would have to employ a legal professional and apply for a ‘Deputyship’ order.  This can take months and is extremely expensive, in comparison to a Lasting Power of Attorney.  What if the court appoints someone you are unhappy with?  There may be certain members of your family that you do not wish to have this type of power or authority over your finances and property, the could appoint someone that you do not trust.
Lasting Powers of Attorney can be drafted now, to ensure someone you trust manages your affairs if necessary.  It may also save you money and will be less stressful for loved ones.
Call Anita Hutt LL.B(Hons) MSWW on 01579 344433 to arrange a home visit.