Lasting Powers of Attorney and COVID 19
It has never been a more relevant time to prepare your Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Covid-19 has created uncertainty around many people's health and finances and has focused attention on what can be done to ensure your affairs are in order. It is important to protect against life's uncertainties and a person is more at risk of financial abuse and neglect if these protections are not in place.
People may be concerned about how they can prepare a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) whilst adhering to the social distancing measures. However, it is certainly possible to do so.
There are two types of LPA, LPAs can be made in respect of a person's property and financial affairs and for health and welfare decisions. A LPA is a legal document which permits a person to appoint an attorney (or attorneys) (other people) to act on their behalf if they are unable to make decisions themselves. This could be, for example, if the donor is unwell, unable to leave their home, or undergoing treatment in hospital. It can ensure that the donor's wishes are followed in the event of incapacity and actsas a protection from potential financial abuse. They also enable a person to appoint individuals that the donor trusts implicitly or alternately a professional, where appropriate.
A separate LPA can also be made for a persons' business, to ensure that the correct individuals are appointed to allow for business continuity whilst the donor is incapacitated. These may not be the same people who you want to look after your personal affairs.
The Wills, Tax and Probate team at Enoch Evans LLP continues to operate and serve all our clients' needs. The team is here to listen, advise and prepare your LPAs for you, in line with your instructions.
We are working remotely and can arrange to speak to our clients anywhere, over the telephone or via your preferred video conferencing app, so that we can clearly understand wishes, intentions andobjectives. We can also still arrange face to face meetings if required in our offices.
Should you wish to discuss the issues raised with a member of our specialised team, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 01922 720333 for our Walsall Office of 0121 355 2336 for our Sutton Coldfield office. Visit the Wills, Tax and Probate department page
