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Power of Attorney
Plan ahead by appointing someone to act on your behalf if you’re unable to make decisions.
What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?
Having a POA lets you plan what you want another person to do for you in the future, should you become incapable of making decisions about your own affairs. POA is a written document which includes a certificate signed by a qualified person - a practising doctor, solicitor or advocate.
Why give power to someone to deal with my affairs?
We can never predict our health. A major accident or sudden illness can be life-changing. Prolonged recovery or permanent loss of mental capacity - as in dementia - can result in a temporary or permanent inability to carry out your responsibilities.
Who can be my attorney?
Your attorney must be an adult, trustworthy, and must not be bankrupt (for Financial POA). They can be a friend, your adult children, other relatives, or a professional such as a lawyer, bank manager, or accountant. Professional attorneys are entitled to charge for their time.
When is it valid?
POA is valid only after it is registered in the UK courts (Protection Court), which makes it a legally binding document. Attorneys are then legally responsible to manage the affairs of the granter within the powers given in the POA deed. Once registered, it lasts until it is cancelled, revoked, or the person dies.
How to Make a Power of Attorney
POA can be made at any age when a person is legally an adult - 18 in England, 16 in Scotland. Under most circumstances it is a once in a lifetime document.
Deed of POA
The core legal document setting out your chosen attorneys and the powers you are granting them.
The Insurance Helpline - fees explained
No VAT. No extra fees for reassessment if the process requires urgent application during waiting time.
£190
£100
£99
Advice, drafting & full preparation
Specialist lawyer fees
Scottish Court registration fee
Total per POA Deed
£389
The same service through a law firm typically costs around £500.00 plus VAT and the £99.00 registration fee.
There are three types of POA documents
1
Property & Financial Powers
Attorney can manage the financial affairs of the granter as soon as it is registered, irrespective of the mental capacity of the granter.
2
Welfare (Health) Powers
Exercised only when the granter becomes incapable of making decisions for their own health affairs.
3
Combined Powers
Available only in Scotland. We advise you have a combined POA — Property/Financial and Welfare — as this saves the cost of two separate POAs.