Power Of Attorney Solicitors In Sittingbourne, Kent
Have you ever considered what would happen if you or a loved one became incapacitated? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) could help. It’s true that LPAs tend to be entered into by older people when the onset of dementia-type illnesses are a possibility, but anyone can sign an LPA so that, should the unexpected happen those responsible for your welfare can act effectively.
There are two types of power of attorney:
Ordinary Power of Attorney
If you are temporarily incapacitated, for example, if you are ill, injured or abroad for a long period, you can give someone ordinary power of attorney over your financial affairs. You can appoint someone as a limited power of attorney, giving them restricted rights to deal with certain matters on your behalf.
Speak to someone in about appointing an ordinary power of attorney today.
Lasting Power Of Attorney
Lasting power of attorneys are given authority to look after your affairs for an extended period. An LPA can be appointed in case you ever lose mental capacity.
Lasting Power Of Attorney: Kent Lawyers
LPAs should never be entered into lightly. At Ratcliffes Solicitors in Sittingbourne, we understand that the decision to appoint an attorney is a decision of great magnitude for the individual concerned. This is not a simple form-filling exercise: part of our job is to explain — without legal jargon — the potential consequences of your decision. We’ll discuss issues like:
- The type of LPA you need — There are two types of LPA: Property and Affairs, dealing with your property and finances, and Personal Welfare, dealing with your care. It can include instructions about whether your attorney can consent to certain medical treatment on your behalf.
- The extent of attorney powers — You can give general authority to your attorneys so they can take all decisions on your behalf or you can place restrictions on their decision-making.
Power of attorneys can be made responsible for your bank accounts, collecting welfare benefits or tax credits on your behalf.
If you become ill and are unable to care for yourself or manage your affairs, and you do not have an LPA in place, things can become complicated for those caring for you. Every time they need to make decisions about your medical care or finances, they will have to apply for approval from the Court of Protection. Not only is this process cumbersome and slow, it can also be expensive. Our LPA service is inexpensive, and if you are unable to travel, we will happily visit you at home.
Contact Us
For advice from the Sittingbourne lasting power of attorney solicitors at Ratcliffes, call us on 01795 477505 or contact us online.