The Lasting Power of Attorney
There may come a time in your Life , when due to the fact that you are incapable of managing your Property and Financial Affairs or your Health and Welfare , when you will need someone to do this for you.
Data Protection Laws (GDPR) states that no one would be able to access your affairs unless you have given them legal permission. To give someone legal permission to act on your behalf, you have to have Lasting Power of Attorney Documents completed and submitted to the Office of Public Guardian who will then issue a Certificate to you that will enable the Person or Persons that you have chosen to act either as soon as you receive the Certificate or when you lose mental capacity.
More than 70% of those who pass away each Year, die in intestate. This usually means one or two things:
- No Will was made.
- A Will was made, but could not be found at the critical time.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a legal document in the United Kingdom that grants one or more individuals, known as attorneys, the authority to act on behalf of another person, referred to as the donor. This authority can extend to various financial, legal, or healthcare matters, making PoAs a versatile tool for ensuring your wishes are respected even when you are unable to express them yourself.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
- Property and Financial Affairs.
- Health and Welfare
Property and Financial Affairs allows the Person or Persons that you have nominated to access your Affairs to manage all your Financial and Property Affairs.
Health and Welfare allows the Person or Persons that you have nominated to make decisions about your Health and Welfare, including:
- Discuss your medical Affairs with you GP.
- Make decisions to refuse or consent to Life sustaining treatment.
- Make decisions about where you live.
The main Consequences of not making a Will
- If you don’t make a Will, you are said to have died ‘intestate’. Many People make the grave mistake of believing that their Children or Partner will automatically inherit their Legacy. This is not always the case because intestacy rules decides what happens to your Legacy.
- Making a Will is the only way you can ensure that your Estate is dealt with in accordance with your wishes after your death. It is therefore extremely important that you take the time to make a Will after you have worked so hard to accumulate your Possessions, Property, Monies etc.
Affinity Legacy: Empowering You with Power of Attorney
In an ever-changing world, planning for the unexpected is a crucial aspect of safeguarding your future. Affinity Legacy are dedicated to helping individuals review, complete necessary documentation, and submit it for setting up a Power of Attorney (PoA). But what exactly is a Power of Attorney, and why is it so important? Let's delve into the world of PoAs and understand the manifold benefits they offer.
The Benefits of a Power of Attorney:
- Protection in Case of Incapacity: A PoA ensures that someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you become mentally or physically incapable of doing so. This protection is especially vital in situations like dementia or severe illness, where clarity and decisiveness are paramount.
- Personalised Decision Making: Your PoA document allows you to specify the powers and limitations of your attorney, ensuring that your preferences and values are upheld, even when you cannot express them yourself.
- Financial Management: A Financial PoA empowers your attorney to manage your finances, pay bills, access bank accounts, and make investment decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your financial affairs continue to run smoothly.
- Property and Asset Management: Your attorney can handle property transactions, such as buying or selling real estate, ensuring that your assets are managed according to your exact wishes.
- Business Operations: If you own a business, a PoA can be vital for business continuity. It allows your attorney to make critical decisions in your absence, preventing disruptions to operations.
- Healthcare Decisions: A Health and Welfare PoA grants your attorney the authority to make healthcare decisions, including medical treatments and care options, ensuring you receive the care you desire. This maintains your privacy and dignity in healthcare decisions.
- Ease of Access to Funds: In emergencies, your attorney can access your funds and manage financial matters promptly, preventing delays in paying for necessary services or care.
- Reduction of Family Conflict: Having a PoA in place can significantly reduce the potential for family disputes and disagreements about your care, finances, or property when you are unable to express your wishes.
- Legal Compliance: A PoA ensures that decisions made on your behalf are legally compliant, reducing the risk of challenges or disputes.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a trusted individual who can act in your best interests provides peace of mind and reduces stress, both for you and your loved ones.
- Avoiding Court Involvement: Without a PoA, family members may have to go through the costly and time-consuming process of applying for deputyship through the Court of Protection, who can take control of your estate if decisions need to be made on your behalf.
- Flexibility and Control: You can revoke or amend the PoA at any time as long as you have mental capacity, giving you flexibility and control over who represents you.
- Tailored to Your Needs: PoA documents can be customised to meet your specific circumstances, ensuring that they align with your unique requirements.
Why Choose Affinity Legacy?
Affinity Legacy understands the value of a Power of Attorney and is committed to making the process smooth and hassle-free for their clients. With their expertise and guidance, you can ensure that your affairs are in capable hands, even in your absence. When it comes to securing your future and protecting your interests, Affinity Legacy is your trusted partner.
In a world filled with uncertainties, a Power of Attorney is your shield, your voice, and your protector. It's a testament to your foresight and a gift of security to your loved ones. So, why wait? Contact Affinity Legacy today and take the first step in securing your future, today and tomorrow.