Appointing someone to act on your behalf to make decisions about your finances, health or welfare should you be unable to do so for any reason will give you and your family peace of mind. By signing a Lasting Power of Attorney you can arrange for a family member, friend, or professional adviser to look after your affairs for you.
A Lasting Power of Attorney has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. This process can take three months, so it is worth thinking about in advance so everything is in place should the need to use it ever arise.
If you already have some form of dementia it may not be possible for you to sign a Lasting Power of Attorney. In this case, somebody might have to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as your Deputy to look after your financial and property affairs. Applying to the Court of Protection is more expensive and time-consuming than signing a Lasting Power of Attorney while you are well enough to do so. Therefore it is important to plan ahead and put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place now.
If you or someone you are close to has been diagnosed with some form of dementia, you’ll know this can be a life-changing experience. Significant issues can arise such as managing financial affairs and the potential use of assets for nursing home fees. We have considerable experience in handling the issues that may arise in a sensitive and compassionate way.
