Beaufort Montague Harris
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document giving a person of your choice the authority to look after your affairs.
A Lasting Power of Attorney can be made in respect of personal welfare or for property and affairs – or both. Provided a person is mentally capable, these can be drawn up at any time as a peace of mind safeguard. This is preferable to the more complex and expensive alternative of applying to the Court of Protection for what is known as Deputyship, which enables a person to act on behalf of someone else.
Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney in 2007 but they remain valid if they were signed before 1st October that year.
Lasting Powers of Attorney do not have to be drawn up by a solicitor, however given their importance and power, it is wise to get professional advice to ensure that they are legally correct.
Please be advised that we are unable to offer the service of certifying Lasting Powers of Attorney unless we have prepared the original document and you are an existing client.
Please contact us if you would like specialist advice about Lasting Powers of Attorney or Deputyship.