Powers of Attorney

This is a legal document that authorises one or more people to handle your financial affairs (including property, shares and money) on your behalf. You'd choose this if you want someone to act for you for a temporary period, because of an extended holiday or illness for example, and when you can supervise the attorney's actions.

Alternatively an Enduring Power of Attorney is a more general power in relation all your property and affairs. This document specifically provides for the possibility of the future mental incapacity of the person making the enduring power of attorney and for the powers granted by the deed to continue once this occurred provided the deed is registered with the Public Guardianship Office.

The law relating to Enduring Powers of Attorney is changing shortly so that from 1st October 2007 it will no longer be possible to make one although if you have already done so it will continue to be valid

Both types of Powers of Attorney may be without restrictions or can give limited powers, such as selling a house or dealing in shares. In either case, you can still also act for yourself.

From 1st October 2007 changes to the law will affect this area. Please contact us to discuss these on 01425 278866