Can you afford not to have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place?

• A Will can help your family avoid conflict when you die and is not something you should draft yourself
• Minimise Estate Taxes

Have you noticed that someone close to you is starting to suffer from ill-health or is becoming more forgetful about things?

It is not always easy to admit that someone you care about is getting ill or that your own health is deteriorating, but it is important to put arrangements in place ahead of time so that the right financial and health care can be provided when needed.

Many people think that if their loved one loses mental capacity, their next of kin will take control of their affairs, but this is not the case.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you whilst you have full mental capacity, to nominate a relative, close friend or professional to make financial decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so for any reason to make financial or health-related decisions on their behalf should you sadly lose capacity.

Financial and property LPA’s include paying bills, liaising with utility companies, making investments on your behalf, selling your property, but always in your best interests.

Health and Welfare LPA’s enable you to choose whether your Attorney or a doctor should make decisions which may potentially involve life-sustaining treatments if you are unable to do so yourself.

There is, of course, no need to wait until you notice signs of declining mental or physical health and we recommend that everyone arranges a Power of Attorney regardless of their age or state of health, as sadly no one knows what is around the corner, particularly in these difficult times. You can be prepared in advance and arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney in full health with no intention of needing to trigger it for many years.

Acting as an attorney is an important responsibility that should be fully understood and prepared for.

EMD Law LLP can take the worry and pressure out of giving this responsibility to a family member or friend and can be appointed as your Attorney.

In the event you have sadly lost someone, we are able to assist you with obtaining Probate in a compassionate and supportive manner.