Lasting Powers of Attorney

More and more people are finding themselves in the situation where either they or a loved one no longer has the ability to make decisions regarding their welfare or finances. Unfortunately, once someone has lost mental capacity, the process of ensuring appropriate decisions can be made on their behalf can be very time consuming and extremely costly.

Here at Merryweather Williams, we can help prevent this situation by assisting with the creation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). These legal documents, created before capacity is lost, provide named individuals with the authority to deal with matters on your behalf should the worst happen. It is increasingly common that financial institutions and medical staff will not act on the instruction of another, even if they are next of kin, without the formal authority that an LPA provides.

We have considerable experience assisting people to understand all the possibilities and address their individual needs. Our specialist advice will make the whole process as simple as possible for you and your named attorneys.

We can assist with:

• The drafting and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Guidance on the choice of Attorneys
• Guidance on instructions and preferences for those Attorneys
• Acting as an Attorney
• Financial management
• Health and welfare considerations

However if no LPA is in place when an individual loses capacity then an application for the appointment of a Deputy will be the only option. Deputyship Orders can be very burdensome both financially and in terms of the time involved but we can provide just the right amount of expertise depending on your own individual needs. We always strive to make the process as simple and efficient as possible giving you more time to deal with the needs of the person concerned.

We are also able to act as Deputies ourselves should the task seem too daunting or if there is no one else able or willing to take on the role. We apply our precise knowledge of all financial and practical matters that must be considered to each individual scenario and, as solicitors, we always act in the best interests of the person concerned.

We can assist with:

• Applying for a Deputyship Order
• Compiling all the necessary paperwork
• Guiding you in your duties as a Deputy
• Acting as a Deputy for someone
• Managing the financial and non-financial assets
• Applying for a Statutory Will

Next Steps

If you are interested in making an appointment or would like to speak to someone for further assistance, please contact us on 01278 780151 or alternatively you can send us a message now.