Powers of Attorney and Guardianships

A Power of Attorney protects you against a situation in the future where you can no longer make decisions for yourself about your finances or welfare.

It legally authorises your loved ones to step in and make decisions on your behalf should you lose capacity or be unable to do so, for example, due to dementia or even an accident or illness.

By putting in place a Power of Attorney, you are authorising someone who you want to manage your money and help with your care to do so if there comes a time, even for a short period of time, when you cannot act for yourself. Many people assume that their spouse or next of kin is able to do this for them, but this is not the case. We recommend everyone has one. It is like having an insurance policy which you may never need but is there if it is needed.

Guardianship is the alternative to a Power of Attorney. It is a costly and intrusive process.

A Guardianship Order is required when an individual loses capacity and needs someone to make decisions on their behalf about their finances or welfare but did not previously put in place a Power of Attorney.

We can advise you on the whole Guardianship process, which requires an application to the court and the involvement of doctors and social workers. We understand that this may be a difficult time for you, so we strive to relieve the stress of the legal process as far as possible.

Estate Services