PERSONAL

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Mental incapacity can affect any one of us through accident, illness or old age.

If a person is unable to look after their own financial affairs and there is no Enduring Power of Attorney:

• Their assets will be frozen until the Court appoints a "Receiver" to act for them
• No one can pay their bills
• Their house and other assets could not be sold to provide funds for nursing care etc.

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a short document that is not costly. It can provide a simple and effective way of looking after somebody's affairs when they can no longer do so. Enduring Powers of Attorney should be considered by everyone, not just the elderly. It may never be necessary to use it, but can be looked upon as a form of insurance. There are other areas affecting those with mental incapacity or the problems of old age where we can help; for example, to advise on community care rules or obtaining the proper social security benefits and help to plan savings, investments and pensions to provide for nursing care fees.