Lasting Power of Attorney

We did both. And no, I don’t think they are complicated to do. You just need to be quite methodical, and allow yourself time to concentrate on what you’re doing.
It doesn’t have to be completed all at once, you can do so much then save it and return to it later.

We did ours at the same time as writing our wills, four years ago.

Mention an LPA and many will automatically think of a person's finances, but there are actually two types to consider: one for finance and property, and another for health and welfare.

You pay for each one. We just did the finance and property one.

We arranged Power of Attorney a long time ago when we renewed our wills for the 2nd time. Last year we renewed our wills again because circumstances had changed slightly. The POA is with our wills with our solicitor & we have a copy in our safe at home. It’s always wise to ensure someone knows where your wills are as well.

We have done ours - they are lodged with our wills with our solicitor.

Alima it really isn't that difficult, no idea why you would need a flow chart. Very easy to do online and if you make a mistake before paying you can change it. If I did it on paper I would need too much tippex!

Not just someone confirming you are of sound mind, they have to be sure you are not being coerced. Not sure they can say that about DH, I had to coerce him . Took a lot of explaining and telling him how difficult it would be for family if the worst happened.

I was thinking about this only today Nonnie. I have the paperwork and the explanation sheets ready in the cupboard. Must get on with it before my friend who is going to sign that I am of sound mind moves away. Someone on here mentioned that they had done some sort of flow chart to do theirs. That threw me into confusion, not at all conversant with flow charts. Are you sure it is easy to do?

Me too crazyH we were talking about it over the weekend with a visiting relative who’s just done hers. We just need to get on with it while it’s on our minds!

In the Health and Welfare section you can also add any specific wishes re future care, medical treatment, etc.

Dh and I both added very specific wishes in the event of our being both unable to care for ourselves and speak (with full mental capacity) for ourselves. Basically, in such circs. we don't want to be kept going just because it's possible to do so, if Nature might be trying to let us go.

Excellent advice Nonnie. Thank you for the link to the government site. I'm going to do it, as my DD is having terrible trouble now with her F (my ex-H) as he refused to do this earlier when he was able the think clearly and make decisions.

I know she would make the right choices for me, but having a document which says she is the person I wish to make those decisions on my behalf will help should the need ever arise.

Thanks Nonnie for the reminder .....started doing it last year and then, life got in the way......

Nonnie,

Great advice, I have had to go through COP as my mother wouldn’t give anyone LPA.
It is an expensive and complex process.
I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

We did our LPA’s a couple of years ago, after a relative suffered strokes at an early age. Made us think about how difficult it would be if we became incapacitated. Not difficult to do online. Just hope they are never needed.

I changed my will over a year ago doing it through a solicitor and I also took out LPA for the same reason.

I have also taken out a funeral plan, not quite what I would have wanted but I also did not want either of my friends to have to fork out the cost immediately as it is now all paid for.

I am also going to try to make life easier for them by jotting down useful things in a book- eg the online banking I have, local building societies with whom I have accounts etc.