Lasting Power of Attorney

[devadiva]

Can anyone help me regardig the above, What are the main points covered. Do you need a solicitor or can it be done without. Is it a long process or can it be done quickly.How is the best way to approach it.

[kempie]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/over50s/homeandcom munity/carers/dg_10026855

[bednobs]

there arent really any points covered unless you want them to be - it is basically giving someone else the power to act as you, if you are not able to. There are 2 types 1) for financial matters and 2) for health and welfare matters
having just done both, the person who has power cannt use it till its been registered at the court of protection, and cant use it if you still have mental capacity. When it is registerd, they letnominated people know it has been registered, so someone couldnt sneakily register it and start using it behind your back. You can make restrictions on it, but it might make it difficult for someone to act on your behalf in your best interests.
With the health and welfare one, i have put in points to be considered (although these are not legally binding), for example i would like my husband to consult with my parents first, if i am in a terminal situation, i dont want antibiotics/food to keep me alive; if i have a persistant vegitative stae with no hope of recovery stop feeding me; if i am on a ventilator with no hope of recovery , turn me off. tat sort of thing.
You can download the forms from the office of the public guardian, and it exlains it all there (i think) It costs 150 to register each document,athough you dont have to register it yet - My solicitor advised me to register the h& w one because it takes a few months to register it and usually the other person has to make decisions quickly.
the fiinancial one can usually wait to be registered until its needed