Lasting Powers of Attorney

05 November 2009

The Court of Protection has been in the news recently; there has been press coverage in relation to how it and the Office of the Public Guardian operate in managing the finances of those who are unable to deal with their money themselves as a result of mental incapacity. The coverage has focussed  on the costs and delay which may arise when the Court becomes involved.

Making arrangements in advance to manage financial and healthcare matters should incapacity strike in the future and hence avoid what could be a very worrying situation is not just appropriate for older people. This kind of planning is often of equal interest to children who are keen to help their parents prepare for any problems which might arise as they get older.

Withers LLP's Elder Law Team specialises in drafting and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney, documents introduced by the Mental Capacity Act in October 2007 which enable individuals to appoint a person or persons to manage both their financial and welfare affairs either with immediate effect or in the future.
 
Julia Abrey, the head of the Elder Law Team, has been working with the Court of Protection and the Office of the Public Guardian to produce revised Lasting Power of Attorney forms, which came into use on 1 October 2009. The forms are not only shorter but much more user friendly and are accompanied by clearer guidance notes. Julia's work in relation to this has recently been recognised by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, which awarded her "Elder Client Law Professional of the Year 2009/10".
 
If you or any members of your family would be interested in further information about Lasting Powers of Attorney please contact a member of our team:

Julia Abrey on 0207 597 6053 or by email

Chris Munday on 0207 597 6418 or by email

James Radcliffe on 020 7597 6399 or by email

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