Whilst a Will ensures your wishes are carried out after you pass away, a Lasting Power of Attorney helps to protect your interests during your lifetime.

Though it is not pleasant to imagine being in a situation in which we will not have complete control of our own personal affairs, there are many illnesses that can leave us reliant on those around us. Making a Lasting Power of Attorney is a way of giving someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lack mental capacity to do so at some time in the future.

It is often assumed that if a person loses capacity to manage their financial affairs an immediate family member can simply step in for them. However, if you haven’t created a valid Lasting Power of Attorney then your assets will be effectively frozen which can lead to problems paying bills, claiming pensions & entitlements and making vital decisions regarding property and investments.  Your family would then have to make an application to Court to decide upon who can manage your affairs and this can be distressing, expensive and time consuming.  

Stephens Wilmot Solicitors can provide simple, straightforward advice to support your LPA application whilst you are able to do so.