Occasionally, an elderly friend or relative becomes unable to manage their own affairs due to mental or physical incapacity.

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Whilst a Will ensures that your estate is wound up in accordance with your wishes, an Enduring Power of Attorney ensures that the person or persons of your choice have responsibility for dealing with your financial affairs if you become mentally, or physically incapable in the future.

The existence of an Enduring Power of Attorney can avoid the considerable expenses and delay which would otherwise be caused to your family in having to make formal application to the Public Trust Office in London for an Order appointing someone to act as your Receiver (see Court of Protection).

Partners at Prettys can act as attorneys.

Care of the Elderly

We offer assistance to the elderly in relation to:

• The handling of their financial affairs
• Cohabitation agreements
• Advising on residential/nursing care and their fees
• Advising on mental incapacity
• Making financial plans for retirement
• Making provision for children and/or grandchildren
• Inheritance tax and income tax planning (see Tax Planning)
• The preparation of Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
• The registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney (see Court of Protection)

It is possible that a relative is no longer able to manage their own affairs due to mental incapacity and has not created an Enduring Power of Attorney. In this case, it is necessary to make a formal application to the Public Trust Office in London for an Order appointing someone to act as your Receiver.

We can advise on a wide range of Court of Protection issues, which include:

• Advising on Receivership issues, to include acting as a Receiver
• Managing related administration
• Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Statutory Will