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PROPERTY & FINANCIAL AFFAIRS POWER OF ATTORNEY
Lots of people take time to make appropriate provisions for the cost of their care (and their inheritance) as early as possible. But a significant number still forget to ensure that their assets are in safe hands should they lose mental capacity in the future.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is essential for those who are concerned that they may not be able to make decisions for themselves in years to come.
In this recording, we discuss Lasting Power of Attorney Property and Financial Affairs. We’ll explain why it’s important to have a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs in place, and how you can obtain one.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal provision enabling you to protect your wishes and best interests should you lose mental capacity in the future. A person (or people) nominated by you takes care of your decisions for you in line with your personal wishes.
This ensures that people you know and trust are looking after you and your assets when you are unable to do so yourself. Without a Financial Power of Attorney you and your family will lack control over how you live and are cared for, as well as your losing access to your finances.
What does a Financial Power of Attorney involve?
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney – Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare, and Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs, or as it is sometimes called a financial power of attorney.
A Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs enables your nominated person to take care of your financial assets for you. Responsibilities include:
Managing bank accounts (including current accounts, building society accounts and savings)
Paying bills (including setting up and stopping Direct Debits)
Collecting and managing payments such as benefits and pensions
Selling or buying property and other assets
and A Power of Attorney for Property involves a high level of responsibility.
For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure that you have put a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs in place, but also that you appoint someone you trust to act in your best interests.
Why do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs?
A Power of Attorney for Property enables your trusted person to manage your financial assets on your behalf when you are not able to do so yourself.
Without clear directions in place legally your money cannot be accessed by anyone else. This means you cannot sell your house or other assets, pay bills or pay for your care.
If you have set up a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney it is important to consider how your nominated person will easily access the funds for your care. For this reason, it’s advisable to appoint an attorney for Health and Welfare and a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs.
You don’t need to be elderly or infirm to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs. Although it’s unpleasant to consider, it’s advisable for everyone to make appropriate provisions enabling loved ones to access their finances should they unexpectedly lose mental capacity.
How do I get an LPA for Property and Financial Affairs?
Before setting up a LPA Property and Financial affairs you’ll need to choose your nominated person.
This must be someone you trust to act in your best interests and take care of your assets – a family member or friend. They should also feel comfortable with the responsibility you have asked them to take on.
You can find forms online enabling you to set up a Property and Financial Affairs LPA. However, it’s advisable to contact a solicitor to oversee the process for you, as setting up an LPA for Property and Financial Affairs incorrectly could void it for future use.
You can choose which decisions your LPA for Property and Financial Affairs covers. For example, there may be certain things you’d rather were left, whereas others are more important to you.
It’s also worth noting that a Property and Financial Affairs LPA can come into play before you lose mental capacity – so it’s important to be clear about your directions and how and when you would like your nominated person to act for you.
What could happen if I don’t set up a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney?
There can be serious and upsetting consequences for the families of individuals who don’t set up a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney.
