Imagining a time when you will no longer be able to look after your own affairs is difficult to comprehend, but at some point in the future illness or disability may stop you from handling even your daily finances. A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your personal affairs should you become unable to do so yourself.

If you lose mental capacity and haven’t arranged for anyone to act on your behalf, then your assets will in effect become frozen. If this occurred your family would have to make an often long and costly application to try and gain access back.

We provide specialist advice on applying for and obtaining a legal Lasting Power of Attorney. Holding a Lasting Power of Attorney allows your attorney to make financial and medical decisions for you once you become incapable to do so. Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place is an essential part of planning for unexpected circumstances that may occur later on in life. You want to be assured that someone you know and trust will be able to speak and act on your behalf when it comes to handling your assets.

Without this, choices may be made that go against decision you or your family did not grant.

You can give your attorney authority to manage your finances, from paying your bills to selling your property and making decisions on medical treatment. However, you can still continue to handle your own financial and medical affairs even after the Lasting Power of Attorney has been signed, it just provides you with the knowledge that if the time comes, you are prepared for all eventualities.

Regardless of health, everyone should take a moment to consider this. Don't wait till it's too late.