Power of attorney

[sigma]

How do I go about getting power of attorney

[rinkins]

Get in touch with a solicitor and they will arrange (at a price of course!)

[rinkins]

There are 2 different types now too - Health and Welfare and Property and Finance

[bednobs]

you need to speak to the person you want to give it to/get it from first.
If you want POA for someone else, they will have to instigate it

[bednobs]

http://www.direct.gov...tyandthelaw/index.htm

[atalanta]

You can do this for little or nothing if everyone concerned agrees.
If you wish to take power of attorney, say to deal with the affairs of an elderly parent, you get the forms from the website of the Public Guardian, everybody concerned signs them and you all take the forms to a court office. Just look up the court office in the telephone book, or ask at the Police Station.
You can take the forms to a solicitor who will charge. The Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to help you.
If you want powers to look after the affairs of someone who is not competent to agree, or who has dementia, a serious stroke or head injury, for instance, and refuses to let you do this because s/he cannot understand, you have to apply to the Court of Protection to become a Deputy. This can take ages. I have had to do it, and the whole process from start to finish took 2 years. You have to get medical reports from GP, consultant, Psychiatrist or psychogeriatrician, hospital social workers, and Uncle-Tom-Cobbley-and-all. The Court of Protection will make you appoint a financial advisor if the assets are large, and if a property has to be sold and the proceeds invested. And you have to get certified accountants to do the person's income tax forms. You will have to pay a bond (insurance) to ensure you do not run off with the person's money, or sell the house to yourself for tuppence, or any other shenanigans. The Bond can easily be £2,000 per year. yes, that was two thousand.
Not refundable.
Much better to go for power of attorney while the person concerned has enough understanding to agree to everything. Don't leave it too late.