Power of Attorney - England & Wales Only

Many people worry about their affairs in case they become too ill or mentally unable to take care of them on their own. If your situation does deteriorate, writing a Power of Attorney now will allow the person you choose to take over the administration of your affairs and to do so with the minimum of distress.

Following the introduction of the mental capacity act on the 1 October 2007, two types of attorney are available.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

This is a legal document that you would enter into to appoint a person or persons to act as your Attorney to deal with your finances and property on your behalf in the event that you do not have the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself. The LPA can be used to manage your finances and property while you still have capacity as well as when you lack capacity but an LPA can only be used when it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Please note that this service does not offer Personal Welfare LPAs.

General Power of Attorney (GPA)

This is a shorter legal document which you enter into to allow a person or persons to act as your Attorney to deal with your finances and property on your behalf while you still have mental capacity. It is very important to note that a GPA CANNOT be used if you become mentally incapable to make decisions. The GPA would effectively be revoked and declared null and void should that happen. Your Attorney would be able to use the GPA if you became infirm and housebound but not if you lose mental capacity. If someone that has a GPA becomes mentally incapable, the Attorney or family should contact a solicitor or financial adviser, as it will be necessary to make an application to the Office of the Public Guardian, for a deputy to be appointed to handle their financial affairs.

Through the Skipton Financial Services Will Writing Service we can put together your application for a Lasting or General Power of Attorney.

 

If you would like us to call you, just click here.

Alternatively call:
0800 137 832

Our simple guide will help you find out how Skipton Financial Services could help you write your Will.

To find out more about any of
the services we’ve mentioned
simply:

• Contact your SFS Financial Adviser
• Call a member of our Client
  Help Line on 0800 137 832
• Visit your local Skipton
  Building Society branch to
  arrange an appointment with
  an SFS Adviser

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