Powers of Attorney
Why are Powers of Attorney important?
If you are unable to manage your own affairs, a Power of Attorney appoints someone of your choice to do it for you.
There are two types of Power of Attorney:
Continuing Power of Attorney allows your chosen person to handle your bank accounts, investments, bills & property.
Welfare Power of Attorney covers decisions about your health and care.
What happens if you don’t have an Power of Attorney and lose capacity?
If you lose mental capacity without a Power of Attorney it can cost your family thousands to be given permission to handle your affairs.
Any bank accounts you hold even joint accounts with your partner could become severely restricted.
You can not renegotiate mortgage terms or manage loan or credit card payments.
Social Services will make ALL the decisions.
Your beliefs and religion may not be considered or honoured by healthcare professionals in treatment.
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One in four strokes in the UK happen in people under the age of 65 (Stroke Association)
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An estimated 42,000 people under the age of 65 in the UK have dementia – and nearly 1 million over 65. (Alzheimer’s Society)
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Accidents can affect anybody at any time, rendering them unable to manage their affairs.
It is a criminal offence for anyone to manage the affairs of an incapable person without legal authority (through a Power of Attorney).