Lasting Powers of Attorney
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and why should I make one?
Lasting Powers of Attorney used to be known as an Enduring Power of Attorney.
These are documents that allow you to legally name a trusted person that you appoint to make decisions to act on your behalf only when you are unable to do so at any time in the future.
A time can come very quickly where any of us are unable to make decisions for ourself or our finances and this could be due to illness, such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, any mental health issues, medical treatment or a number of other illnesses or disabilities.
By making a Lasting Power of Attorney it means that in the event of you not being able to make decisions, the person you appoint that you know you can trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf.
You must make a Lasting Power of Attorney whilst you are well, fit and able to do so.
If you do not make a Lasting Power of Attorney and then you become incapable of making decisions you leave a terrible problem for your loved ones to resolve.
Your next of kin will have to apply to the Court for permission to help you with your affairs. The cost of this is very expensive, time-consuming and a frustrating process.
That process is completely avoidable if you take action today.
Types of Lasting Powers of Attorney
i. Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney. This document will enable you to appoint a trusted person to deal with any property and/or money you may have and allows your Attorney to deal with decisions like selling a property, dealing with bank or building society accounts, dealing with Department of Work and Pensions for any benefits or pensions, dealing with tax issues or any debts.
ii. Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney. This document allows you to name a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf relating to more personal decisions such as where you live, are you well enough to remain at home, do you need to live in a care home, how will this be funded? Your healthcare treatment and medical decisions. There are lots of things to consider.
You can make either of these Lasting Powers of Attorney or both. Please call us today to discuss.
Additional Information
Why make a Will?
Update your Will
What to Consider
Meet The Wills & Probate Team
About Annamaria
Annamaria graduated from the De Montfort University in Leicester before qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997. She has practiced law locally in Nuneaton and Bedworth since 1985 and has worked as a solicitor locally since qualifying.
At the beginning of her career, Annamaria dealt with all aspects of family law. In recent years, Annamaria has turned her skills to private client work. Her skills from her days as a family lawyer have stood her in good stead for this, as often preparing Wills needs an understanding of family dynamics.
Annamaria is very excited about the merger, and to be a part of a dynamic busy practice headed by the senior partner Bob Willson. She is working closely with Bob in the Private Client department, preparing Wills, and dealing with Probate for clients as well as Lasting Powers Of Attorneys, which are needed by most of our clients.
Annamaria considers her strengths to be her client relationships. She has an excellent rapport with her clients and will strive to ensure that they are provided a good service that meets their needs and expectations. Annamaria offers both understanding and compassion in what can often be very difficult circumstances. The priority for her is to ensure that clients are made to feel comfortable and at ease,knowing they are in capable hands.
Away from work, Annamaria loves nothing better than taking her spaniel Basil for long walks and spending time with her friends and family. Summer months keep her busy gardening, which she finds relaxing, and she also has a 9 hive apiary which keeps her busy. Any excuse to watch local team Leicester Tigers or any national rugby match is a bonus.