Lasting powers of Attorney

A time of illness or stress, whether physical or mental, can be difficult enough without the pressures of dealing with your obligations simultaneously. You may want to consider putting a power of attorney in place to protect yourself, your loved ones and your assets. Here at Randle Thomas, we are experienced in assisting you with preparing and registering lasting powers of attorney.

There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney: one for Property & Financial Affairs, which allows someone to deal with your financial matters, and one specifically for your Health & Welfare, which enables someone to make decisions about health matters and speak for you to medical professionals. A power of attorney can be as important as a Will in protecting yourself against emotional and financial problems that may arise.

Sadly it is not only the old or infirm who may need to consider the preparation of a power of attorney. Unexpected illnesses or accidents such as a head injury may impair mental capacity, and a power of attorney can be of much comfort, allowing your attorneys to bear the strain of dealing with your commitments for you.

On occasions, preparation of a power of attorney is no longer possible, and if one has not been prepared and registered before the loss of capacity, a Court of Protection deputyship may be the only recourse you will have.

Court of Protection Deputyships

We understand the stress on family and friends caring for a loved one who is losing their mental capacity and can no longer manage their property or financial affairs. Urgent matters may arise that you cannot address without a completed power of attorney. If this happens, you may need to apply to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy who can manage these pressing issues or take over ongoing responsibilities.

We are also here to help obtain a court of Protection Order to deal with a specific mental health or personal welfare issue that has become pressing.

At Randle Thomas, we have experience steering families through the complex forms and procedures attendant upon obtaining a Court of Protection Order and becoming a Deputy, including making an emergency order where urgent matters need to be dealt with, such as selling a house.