Holmes & Hills provide the following services offering expert advice and support to those wishing to plan and prepare for their financial future or hoping to manage the financial and welfare affairs of a friend or relative:

•  Preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney 
•  Applying to the Court of Protection
•  Advice for attorneys or deputies

Why do people make Lasting Powers of Attorney?

Many people put precautions in place which ensure their finances and personal welfare matters continue to be dealt with as they wish and by who they wish should they become incapable of managing such affairs themselves – this involves preparing lasting powers of attorney.

If you are involved in a serious accident, such as a car crash, or develop a serious illness, you may suffer immediate debilitating effects rendering you unable to effectively deal with your own affairs. Furthermore, as we get older it can get increasingly difficult to effectively manage our financial affairs and make important decisions concerning our personal welfare, either due to mental or physical incapacity.

For these reasons it is important to discuss an LPA with a legal professional whatever age you may be and whatever your current circumstances.

“Both myself and daughter were impressed with the service and would definitely use and recommend your services again.” - Mrs Cole

What happens if I don’t have a lasting power of attorney?

- Applying to the Court of Protection

If you have not made a lasting power of attorney but are subsequently deemed unable to manage your own finances, your assets become effectively frozen and the court will decide who should manage your financial and welfare arrangements. This will not necessarily be who you would like it to be.

If a friend or family member wishes to act and make decisions on your behalf they must apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed a Deputy over such matters. This process is considerably more expensive than preparing a lasting power of attorney in advance of incapacity.