Power of Attorney is about identifying another individual (or individuals) to manage your affairs in the future.
It is the way to give someone you trust the legal power to make decisions for you and look after your interests if you become unable to do so yourself.
Different people can help look after different aspects of your life, for example, you could give one person power of attorney over your financial affairs and another person power of attorney over your health care decisions.
Hello, my name is Brenda McFall.
What is a power of attorney?
It is a written document giving someone else authority to take actions or make decisions on your behalf. The power of attorney document contains the name of the person or persons you want to help you. That person is known as the attorney and the document lists the individual powers that you want them to have. The powers must be written down individually to make it clear as to what decisions they can make on your behalf. It also lets you say, who you want to look after your affairs and what you want your attorney to be able to do for you if you become if you become incapable of looking after your own affairs.
The power of attorney provides legal authority for the attorney to make decision for you. You can appoint whoever you want as your power of attorney. A family member, or friend, a solicitor, or accountant, or a combination. You can appoint someone to deal with your financial matters and someone different to deal with your personal welfare.
How or where can you get a power of attorney?
Any local solicitor should be able to assist you to draft a power of attorney and provide legal advice on the matter. Alternatively, some companies and stationery shops sell power of attorney packs.
The power of attorney document is registered with the office of the public guardian For more information, you can telephone the Office of the Public Guardian or have a look at their website. Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or your local solicitor may be able to help.