Power of Attorney & the Ministry of Justice

Statistically there are 850,000 people in the UK with Dementia and 40,000 of those are under 65 years old.

 

The rather depressing projection, according to the Alzheimer's Society, is that this number is due to pass the million mark by 2025.

 

One way to manage your affairs is to plan ahead and look to ease the burden on your family should the spectre of dementia affect you. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that allows others to make financial or health based decisions on your behalf should you lose the ability yourself.

 

It's vitally important to set up the LPA while your are mentally capable of making the appropriate decisions. The alternative is to leave your relatives to pick up the pieces at a time which will potentially be incredibly difficult. 

 

Organising a LPA also means that your Attorney can manage your credit, debit cards and assets in a way that is beneficial to your needs. 

 

The Ministry of Justice (justice.gov.uk) is soon to launch a "planning for the future" campaign as a mechanism to raise public awareness. The message they're projecting is, "Make the choice. Don't take the chance".

 

"We want people to view LPAs as an important part of planning for their family's future," said a Ministry of Justice spokes person.

 

The Lasting Power of Attorney was first introduced in October 2007 with the intent to create legal documents that can be set up relatively cheaply. The LPA was designed to be accepted by financial institutions, care homes and local authorities.

 

In terms of selecting an Attorney you can choose more than one with the criteria being they need to be over 18 and not bankrupt.

 

In terms of completing the paperwork the Alzheimer's Society say, "Many people find they are able to complete the form (s) without legal help, but an LPA is a powerful and important legal document and you may wish to seek advice from a legal adviser with experience of preparing them."

 

Further information regards a Lasting Power of Attorney can be found via the LPA page at www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney.

 

Alternatively we will be happy to discuss matters in further detail and you can contact us via calling 01204 526465 or emailing info@hsksolicitors.co.uk.

 

 

HSK Solicitors

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Bolton