A power of attorney can play an important role if you are no longer able to make key life decisions, but it’s a tool that is often overlooked for a number of reasons.
Here are some common misconceptions about UK power of attorney laws you need to know about.
My Family Can Make Decisions on My Behalf Without a Power of Attorney
Without a power of attorney in place, no one has the legal right to make decisions on your behalf if you have lost capacity.
Power of Attorney Is Only for the Elderly
While powers of attorney are commonly associated with dementia and old age, unexpected illnesses and accidents can cause lasting brain injuries which can impact your ability to make decisions for yourself. In fact, someone is admitted to hospital in the UK with a brain injury every 90 seconds.
Viewing a power of attorney as an insurance policy can give you peace of mind that someone you trust will have the legal power to act on your behalf should the unexpected happen.
If I Don’t Have Many Assets, I Don’t Need a Power of Attorney
If your property is your primary asset, there may come a time when it will need to be sold in order to fund your care. Without a power of attorney in place, this process may take longer, as the courts will need to appoint a deputy to deal with the sale.
I Don’t Need to Appoint an Attorney Right Now
It is only possible to appoint an attorney whilst you have capacity, so it’s beneficial to have a power of attorney in place even if you don’t expect to need it. You can explore your power of attorney options on the websites of specialists such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/.
I Don’t Need a Power of Attorney Because I Have a Will
While having a Will is important, it is something that will only be referred to upon your death. This means that executors have no legal powers to deal with your affairs during your lifetime.
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