When making a Power of Attorney there are many considerations to consider, including choosing someone you trust to carry out your wishes and conduct your affairs. Choosing the right attorney, and making your wishes clear to them, is an essential part of the process. This can be overwhelming and it is important that obtain the correct advice and guidance on how to ensure your wishes are clearly communicated.
Life is unpredictable so making a Power of Attorney is essential for planning for the future. You may need someone to make decisions for you and carry out actions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so for yourself. A Power of Attorney provides peace of mind, but it is very normal to have concerns. There are steps you can take to make the process straightforward for your attorney, providing them with clarity about their role.
Your choice of attorney is important and you must consider your choice carefully. Your attorney should be someone you trust to follow your wishes and be able to manage your financial affairs and care confidently. It is possible to appoint more than one attorney, eg, you may have someone in mind who would be better at arranging everyday care and another who is better with financial decisions.
When making a Power of Attorney it is advisable to talk to your family and friends. They can then work with you to choose the best person for the role and may raise concerns or issues that you had not considered. This is also an opportunity to clarify your wishes in respect of both financial matters and care matters. Care matters may be where you would like to live, what you like to eat or the clothes you like to wear.
How can Tozers help?
To ensure an LPA is put in place correctly and promptly it is always recommended to speak to a solicitor. They are great tools for succession planning and cover property & finance, and health & welfare. To find out more, or for support with putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney, please contact our dedicated Later Life Planning team who will be happy to help.
