Lasting Powers of Attourney

One in six people in Britain will live to celebrate their 100th birthday, according to Government research.

While it is good news that we will live longer, it is also likely that many of us may suffer medical conditions – such as dementia or a stroke - which mean we no longer have the mental capacity to be able to deal with our own financial affairs.

While having a Will is hugely important, increasingly just as important is the need for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Unless you have put in place an LPA, your family will not be able to assist you with financial matters. Instead, they will have to apply to become your deputy under the Court of Protection. The resulting expense and time this takes will mean bills go unpaid, direct debits cannot be set up and your family will be left with significant financial burdens until an application has gone through. This process can often take a period of six months or more.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose up to four people who can assist you with your financial affairs and can be set up now to be used at any time in the future.

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