Power of attorney

Yes, we did. You do need to follow the instructions carefully.

Yes, I did for my mum. Relatively simple, hardest part is getting the necessary signatures. Just work through the forms methodically, it is straightforward.

Yes, quite straightforward but as above, follow the instructions carefully especially with regard to who and where to sign.

Ironically husband and I have acted as witnesses for a number of friends, the 3 poas that have been returned due to either missing or incorrect signatures have always been done by solicitors!

Yes, I helped my Mum to sort this out. No problems. We used the Gov website. That was about 7 years ago. Just done it a few weeks ago for my husband when he was taken ill.

There are two parts so you can choose one part or both. £82 each. Solicitors quoted me £1400 which is crazy because you provide all the info required so you are paying them just to transfer it to the form.

Take it slowly and carefully and you’ll be fine.

I've just done ours online and found it really straightforward.

Does anyone know if it’s ok to have a back up attorney that lives overseas?

Yes, they can live anywhere.

Yes I did it with my daughter was fairly straightforward
We did both parts £82 each part

Useful thread. When you say two parts what do you mean?
A neighbour’s recent health problems is putting getting this sorted to the top of our agenda.

Lots of line Nandalot to explain, but basically the two parts are known (slang) as ‘wealth and health’. POAs can and do remain unused, but definitely worth having, should the need arise.

Beech nut I am in a similar quandary. My dd lives abroad and while I know she can be an attorney realise it might be awkward if things need signing etc.

Yes. No problems. You just need to be methodical and do things in order.

I drew a flow diagram!

Luckygirl3

I drew a flow diagram!

OMG It’s not that bad! 🤣🤣

OldFrill

Yes, they can live anywhere.

Thanks OlfFrill

silverlining48

Beech nut I am in a similar quandary. My dd lives abroad and while I know she can be an attorney realise it might be awkward if things need signing etc.

I hadn’t thought about the signing so I’m glad you brought that to my attention.

Beechnut

silverlining48

Beech nut I am in a similar quandary. My dd lives abroad and while I know she can be an attorney realise it might be awkward if things need signing etc.

I hadn’t thought about the signing so I’m glad you brought that to my attention.

The attorney has to sign the original document so it would have to mailed (courier is probably best) to them and back. If the PoA was activated it shouldn't be too much of a hassle for the Attorney to act from abroad. Most legalities/banking can be authorised over the internet. Medical concerns can be discussed via video sessions. It's not uncommon. So provided they live somewhere IT accessible it isn't that difficult. You can name more than one attorney either to act jointly or independently, the competence, commitment, motivation and honesty of the attorney is paramount, not where they live.

Thanks again OldFrill.

Sorry about your name spelling in my previous post.

Beechnut

Thanks again OldFrill.

Sorry about your name spelling in my previous post.

No problem 😃

Yes, we did. But you absolutely must read the instructions very carefully, particularly as regards signing/dating*, otherwise it will be rejected and you will have to start (and pay!) again.

*We very nearly went wrong there!

As well to remember that you can add a paragraph to the Health and Welfare one, to state your own wishes. Dh and I added one, to state in what circumstances we do NOT want any ‘striving to keep alive’.

I did it and the one thing that the information warned about was not to get the pages mixed up. Apparently even solicitors can do this. That is what gave me the most concern. I used buff and white envelopes to try to help as I was doing finance and health. So there was dh and two daughters all doing both. Had a friend of mine to witness. So needed to be coordinated somewhat and each part had several pages of similar information. I ended spreading stuff about. Had lots of letters saying this part was done and that. In the end I put everything in a big A4 envelope marked POA. We plan to use it all when there is only one of us.

Lovetopaint037

I did it and the one thing that the information warned about was not to get the pages mixed up. Apparently even solicitors can do this. That is what gave me the most concern. I used buff and white envelopes to try to help as I was doing finance and health. So there was dh and two daughters all doing both. Had a friend of mine to witness. So needed to be coordinated somewhat and each part had several pages of similar information. I ended spreading stuff about. Had lots of letters saying this part was done and that. In the end I put everything in a big A4 envelope marked POA. We plan to use it all when there is only one of us.

But if anything happens to either of you while you are still alive you may need to use it now.

My husband is still in hospital after suffering a serious stroke 9 weeks ago. A lot of accounts etc are just in his name so I cannot access them or even discuss eg insurances, phone contracts etc. As soon as the LPA comes through I can do so. The stroke affected his right side which is his dominant side and he cannot sign anything yet with his left. He is also unable to use the phone to discuss things as his speech is poor.

Lovetopaint037

I did it and the one thing that the information warned about was not to get the pages mixed up. Apparently even solicitors can do this. That is what gave me the most concern. I used buff and white envelopes to try to help as I was doing finance and health. So there was dh and two daughters all doing both. Had a friend of mine to witness. So needed to be coordinated somewhat and each part had several pages of similar information. I ended spreading stuff about. Had lots of letters saying this part was done and that. In the end I put everything in a big A4 envelope marked POA. We plan to use it all when there is only one of us.

The pages are all numbered clearly.

I've just done mine online via the government website. Really easy to do and far cheaper than getting a solicitor to do it. Two of my son's are attorneys.

Just follow instructions to the letter and it's fine.