Trusted guidance on appointing Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney grant legal power to somebody to act on your behalf.

Institutions are increasingly bound by bureaucratic red tape, which can lead to frustration, unless you have the right legal paperwork in place.

Lasting Powers of Attorney case study: please click here to read Margaret's Story

How we can help

Situations where we advise a Power of Attorney is used include:

• Travelling or working abroad - appointing an attorney to sign paperwork on your behalf may save delays and expense;

• Prepare for old age, unexpected illness or an accident – an attorney could help to access your funds to pay bills and otherwise run your personal and business affairs;

• Grown children who are unable to act for themselves -you may be a parent of a child, who has now reached 18, but whose physical or mental disability prevent your son or daughter from dealing with official matters; and

• Executors –assisting you to exercise your responsibilities under the appointment.

Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney

Since 2007, 'Lasting Powers of Attorney' have replaced 'Enduring Powers of Attorney'. No new Enduring Powers of Attorney can now be made.

Wrigleys advise on the differences between an Enduring Power of Attorney and the new Lasting Power of Attorney and talk you through whether creating a new Lasting Power of Attorney would be more appropriate for you.

Register with the Office of the Public Guardian

Attorneys acting under an Enduring Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney have a duty to register the document with the Office of the Public Guardian when the person they are acting for becomes or is becoming mentally incapable of handling their financial affairs. Wrigleys can guide you through this process to ensure that you do not exceed your power as an attorney and leave your actions open to challenge.

Clients are advised to build in some time to do this, as registrations can take several weeks.

Establishing Powers of Attorney's duties

Wrigleys can advise you on the most appropriate Power of Attorney tailored to your needs. We will draft the document and supervise its signing if required.

We also provide advice to attorneys to ensure that they comply with their duties once appointed.

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Jane Netting

Direct Line: 0114 267 5621

Partner
Sheffield

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