power of attorney

[hawk3y3]

Can any one tell me whether the forms for power of attorney that you can send for, and fill in yourself, have any legal binding? They have to be witnessed by an independant person, but i'm not sure whether they would stand up in a court of law. I know the rules are changing in October, and it will be more expensive to go through a solicitor, so I would be very interested to know any one's thoughts on the matter.
any thanks.

[Ethel]

You do not need a solicitor, but if you wish to create an enduring power of attorney the correct forms MUST be used:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Over50s/HomeAndCom munity/Carers/DG_10026855

As long as the correct forms are used, they are properly filled in and are not made under duress or coersion, they are legally binding.