Lasting Power of Attorneys at Christmas
Your Christmas to do list no doubt contains lots of things to buy, and lots to get done before the big day. There are exciting new toys to buy, meals to plan, trees and houses to decorate, gifts to wrap and hide, so that no one (including you) can find them, the school play to attend (Covid-permitting), and relatives to visit. There are Marks & Spencer jumpers to get for the tricky-to-buy-for dads, and the kids have a list as long as their arms of everything they must have this year.
Preparing for Christmas and your future...
Who will look after your finances when you no longer can?
We all want this Christmas to be special, to make up for the challenging months of not seeing those we love. But in amongst the festivities and celebrations, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the future. What happens if you lose mental capacity? What happens if you can no longer look after yourself? What happens if you can’t manage your own finances? Hopefully none of this will happen. But if it does, are you prepared?
If you lose mental capacity, who looks after your finances? Who makes sure your bills are paid? Who decides where you live, and what sort of care you receive?
The importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney
People often assume that close relatives will automatically be able to take over the management of their finances, and surely the next of kin can make decisions about their loved one’s care? This is sadly not the case. Unless a Lasting Power of Attorney has been put in place, no one has the legal authority to take care of you and your assets, when you need it most. There are two types of Power of Attorney, one for Health & Welfare decisions, and one for Property & Financial matters.
Peace of mind with a Lasting Power of Attorney
Powers of Attorney are legal documents that you can sign when you are fit and well, appointing the people you trust most to take the important decisions for you, if ever you can’t do it for yourself. If you need assistance in the future, the documents are there; signed and ready to go. The peace of mind that goes with having the right protections in place is a gift to your loved ones that should not be underestimated. Knowing they can get the right care for you, and can do everything necessary to manage your finances without having to go through stressful and expensive Court proceedings, might be the best gift you could ever give them.
