The Importance of Lasting Power of Attorney

On Tuesday 23^rd March 2021, ITV broadcast the heart-breaking documentary ‘Kate Garraway: Finding Derek’, in which journalist and presenter Kate Garraway allowed cameras to document her story as her husband battles COVID-19 and her family adjust to a new way of life.

One of the factors highlighted by the documentary, which made this already difficult situation, more challenging for the family, was the lack of legal protection. Kate Garraway was unable to access funds to manage her husband’s care or refinance her mortgage. She didn’t even have the legal right to see his medical notes, due to data protection regulations.

Research by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), shows that 65% of people think that our next-of-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of enquiries made about the Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs), but only 22% of people in the UK actually have one.

Future planning is not the top priority for many people, it’s a daunting process but one that if left can cause major problems for your family, should something unexpected happen. This is why it is crucial that you and your loved ones take the time to plan ahead. Nobody likes to think or even just talk about the tough situations we could end up in, but we also believe that no one wants to make these already hard circumstances more difficult for their loved ones.

When you are thinking about making an LPA, it is vital that you get your legal documents right as according to Which? 22,000 LPAs are rejected every year. To avoid such difficult legal situations it is important to speak to a specialist lawyer who has experience in this area of law and can support you through the process of making these complex and crucial decisions.

To find out how our team of specialist solicitors can help you, please call 0161 930 5151 or email willsteam@gorvins.com.