A Power of Attorney is a useful written document giving someone else authority to take actions or make decisions on your behalf. You can choose the person you want to help you, called an Attorney, and decide what powers the Attorney should have. You also choose how you want your incapacity to be decided so that it is clear when you want your Attorney to act on your behalf. A Power of Attorney is a completely separate document from a Will and considering whether or not to make a Power of Attorney is an important decision. We offer detailed legal advice in respect of the possible benefits there may be to you in connection with this matter.

A Power of Attorney lets you say who you want to look after your affairs in particular if you become unable to look after them yourself as you get older. The document will specify what you want your Attorney to be able to do for you if you are incapable of doing so yourself. It lets you plan what kind of things you want someone to do for you in the future. A Power of Attorney is not just about looking after money and property, it can also let you plan who should decide on your personal decisions such as care and accommodation and medical treatment if you are unable to do so in the future.

If you would like more information about a Power of Attorney then please contact Frances Hewitt or Myra Niven to discuss matters further.

For further information you can visit the Office of Public Guardian's website.