Complete the form below to ask us a question or make an enquiry. We’ll get back to you via phone or email as soon as possible.

Insights

What happens if you do not make a Power of Attorney?

Posted on 16th June 2022 in Probate & Wills

Posted by

Emma McAdam

Solicitor
What happens if you do not make a Power of Attorney?

If you have previously put an Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney in place, you will have already appointed an attorney or attorneys to help with your affairs. Your attorney will be able to take certain steps regarding your health & welfare or property & financial affairs decisions (or both), depending on which Power of Attorney you have chosen. They may also be able to help you while you still have capacity, for instance if you feel that you wish to delegate certain matters to someone else. It is also possible to appoint a professional as your attorney, for instance a firm of solicitors, if you feel that this would be appropriate for you.

If you do not have a Power of Attorney in place, the position is more complex. Should you lose the capacity to deal with your own affairs while decisions still need to be made (for instance regarding the sale of your property, care funding or receipt of an inheritance), a deputy may need to be appointed to act for you. Deputies are only appointed once a person has lost capacity and careful thought therefore needs to be given regarding who should be appointed. For this reason, an application to the Court of Protection is required and this can be quite a demanding and costly process.

Usually the potential deputy will be notified, for instance by the local council or by a medical professional, that a deputy is required and that they may be the appropriate person. This means that you would not have control over who is appointed or which decisions they are able to make. Once appointed, deputies are under strict rules and supervision but can still be given wide-ranging powers relating to your affairs. This can be quite a daunting prospect for all parties involved.

How can Tozers help?

We recommend that everyone considers putting a Power of Attorney in place to safeguard their affairs. They are great tools for succession planning and cover property & finance, and health & welfare. To find out more, or for support with putting in place a Power of Attorney, please contact our dedicated Later Life Planning team who will be happy to help.

Company & Industry

Related Insights

Insights

Did Inheritance Tax change in the Autumn Statement 2023?

Posted on 26th November 2023 in Probate & Wills, Later Life Planning

This year’s Autumn Statement was notable for what it did not say rather than what it did. Despite the rumours and speculation in the build-up to the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor did not announce a reduction or simplification of Inheritance Tax, meaning that over the coming years more and more estates will be caught in the Inheritance Tax rules.

Posted by

Naomi Hoare

Senior Associate & Solicitor
Insights

Safeguarding Your Legacy: The Advantages of Solicitor-Prepared Wills

Posted on 09th November 2023 in Probate & Wills, Safeguarding Vulnerable Clients

Choosing a solicitor for your Will ensures legal clarity, reducing the risk of errors or disputes. A professional will navigate the complexities and safeguard your wishes effectively.

Posted by

Sue Halfyard

Partner & Chartered Legal Executive