Powers of Attorney
Power of Attorney Solicitor Liverpool, Halton & Cheshire: Having Power of Attorney documents in place is just as important as having a Will in place. Whilst a Will allows you to decide what will happen with your estate after you have died, a Power of Attorney document allows you to decide who will make important decisions for you in the event that you can no longer make those decisions for yourself.
Every individual has the right to manage their own affairs but as we get older, this can become increasingly difficult. This could be due to illness, disability or an accident. Creating a Power of Attorney can ensure there is someone to make decisions for you if this happens.
Taking care of the future
If you have an accident or became seriously ill and are unable to look after your affairs, who would look after them for you? There is a misconception that your spouse or adult child automatically has the right to look after your affairs. If you lose your mental capacity then your loved ones cannot automatically look after your affairs. Making a Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that you retain control of who makes decisions on your behalf in circumstances when you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
There are two different types of Lasting Power of Attorney documents:
1. Property and Finances
This will enable the person you appoint (your attorney) to manage your property and financial affairs in the event that you are not able to do so yourself. This can include if you are not mentally able to make a decision and if you are mentally able to make a decision but just need some help in carrying that decision out.
2. Health and Welfare
This will enable the person you appoint to make decisions only in the event that you are not mentally able to make decisions for yourself. This document can be used to make decisions in relation to where you are to live, medical treatment and also, life-sustaining treatment.
It is recommended that both documents are put in place.
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CHECK OUT OUR Powers of Attorney FAQS BELOW.
Why do I need a Power of Attorney if I'm healthy?
Why do I need a Power of Attorney if I'm healthy?
Life is unpredictable. Having a Power of Attorney in place means your loved ones can act quickly and legally if something happens.
Who should I choose as my attorney?
Who should I choose as my attorney?
Someone you trust – often a spouse, child, or close friend. You can appoint more than one person and set rules for how they act.
What happens if I don’t have one?
What happens if I don’t have one?
Your family will only be able to apply to look after your finances, and not your health and welfare. Applications to the Court of Protection can be costly and time-consuming.
Can I change or cancel it later?
Can I change or cancel it later?
Yes, as long as you still have mental capacity.
Does it give someone total control over my life?
Does it give someone total control over my life?
No. You decide what powers they have and when they can use them.
How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
Powers of Attorney costs £350 plus VAT per document. There is also a fee of £92 to lodge the documents with the court.
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If you need any further assistance please call:
Merseyside: 0151 480 5777
Runcorn: 01928 711119
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Get In touch with our friendly team
Sorting out powers of attorney can feel a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. At JR Levins, our private client team are friendly and approachable and will listen sensitively to your wishes.
Having powers of attorney before you ever need to use it is just as imporant as having a will. If something should happen and you or a loved one loses capacity, it’s too late. If you would like to choose who will make important decisions about your finances or care should you become unable to, then having powers of attoney documents in place already is vital.
Our team will talk you through the process and make sure you that you have the right documents in place, it’s much better to have them and not need them than be without should something happen.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat with one of the team.