Many of us believe that a Lasting Power of Attorney is something that is only needed when we are old and infirm…
However, thousands of people every year get caught out by not having them.
When a loved one falls seriously ill, the financial repercussions can be almost as great as the medical ones, as Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway discovered when husband Derek Draper fell into a coma after catching Covid-19.
The couple’s car, insurance, credit cards and several bank accounts were solely in Derek’s name, which left Kate unable to access the money or refinance their mortgage.
Every year, thousands of families find themselves in a similar position, because once banks discover a customer has lost mental capacity, they instantly freeze their accounts, even if it means locking loved ones out.
A staggering 73% of people believe if a couple have a joint bank account and one person can’t make decisions for themselves, their partner can legally make decisions for them both.
An LPA will however give you consent to access joint funds to pay and monitor financial aspects of a joint account.
And 72% think your next of kin always gets the final say in treatment decisions at hospital, if you can’t make them yourself.
Medical decisions need the specific, agreed consent of the person involved, before a next of kin can make treatment or welfare choices on someone else’s behalf.
None of us know when ill health or an accident may affect our ability to make or want to make decisions we can advise and draft these for you the same day so that if anything happens to your loved ones you’re not caught out
If a loved one has lost their mental capacity all is not lost we can advise and guide you through the process of applying for a deputyship
These however are timely, expensive and restrictive if you can its easier and cheaper to get your LPAs sorted sooner rather than later