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Published: 23rd March 2020
Updated 12/08/2021
45% of people aged 45 and over are unaware of LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney). Additionally, 82% of UK adults have not made an LPA.
An LPA is an extremely useful document that enables someone to appoint of person or group of people to act on your behalf, should you lose the mental capacity to do so. LPAs are important to have as one in three people aged 65 or over will develop dementia and lose the mental capacity to manage their affairs. However, according to a historical survey completed by the Office of the Public Guardian, 40% of people who say they are not interested in LPA don’t think they’ll lose capacity, don’t care, or don’t want to tempt fate.
Almost 75% of people with LPAs in place did not use experts or legal guidance, and share common misconceptions such as that a family memeber or next of kin will gain control of the affairs or that if a couple has a joint bank account the other can legally make decisions for them.
Original Article Published: 23rd March 2020
If you are at home self-isolating because of your age and/or an underlying medical condition and you are increasingly worried that you will not be able to manage your property, financial affairs, living arrangements and medical treatments over the coming months you may wish to consider creating a Lasting Power of Attorney.
On the other hand, if you have a loved one who is self-isolating and who you feel may not be able to manage their affairs easily you may wish to raise the question of a Lasting Power of Attorney with them.
If your loved one has a problem with capacity then appointing a formal Deputy may be the right step. At K J Smith Solicitors, our dedicated team can help you, giving you peace of mind in these difficult times.
Please call our Lasting Power of Attorney Team on 0118 418 1000 and we will be able to assist you, wherever you live in the country.
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