Do I need a Power of Attorney?
Are you unsure if you really need a power of attorney? Most of us know the importance for planning of the future, however ensuring your legal affairs are in order during your lifetime (should you be unable to act on your own behalf due to illness or an accident) is very important. Ask yourself the question – do I need a power of attorney?
Did you know that in Scotland, no one has legal authority to act on your behalf (not even your spouse or children) if you lose capacity unless you grant a Power of Attorney giving them powers in relation to your finances and personal welfare? Banks, pension providers and medical professionals are becoming increasingly aware of this and will not take instructions from family members or close friends unless they have evidence of that person’s legal authority to act on your behalf.
To find out more information about a Power of Attorney in Scotland and how this may affect your family, why don’t you download our free guide. By completing the contact form on this page you’ll be able to access our guide to Scottish Power of Attorneys immediately.
It provides an overview of ‘Continuing and Welfare’ Powers of Attorney, which were introduced in Scotland in 2000. Our guide looks at:
- What is a power of attorney?
- Financial powers
- Welfare powers
- Who can grant a power of attorney?
- Who can I appoint as my attorney?
- When can my attorney start acting on my behalf?
- What happens if I don’t have a power of attorney in place?
Our team are more than happy to assist you to put a Power of Attorney in place or review an existing Power of Attorney. If you would like to speak to a member of our experienced team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.