None of us likes to think about a time when we might not be able to manage our own affairs. But putting a Power of Attorney in place while you're fit and well is one of the most practical and caring steps you can take — for yourself and for the people around you.
In Scotland, a Continuing Power of Attorney allows someone you trust — your attorney — to manage your financial affairs and property if you become unable to do so yourself. A Welfare Power of Attorney gives your attorney authority to make decisions about your personal welfare, including healthcare and where you live. You can grant both in a single document, and many people do.
Without a Power of Attorney, if you lose capacity, your family may have to apply to the courts for guardianship — a lengthier, more expensive, and less certain process. Having an attorney already appointed avoids that difficulty entirely.
We prepare Powers of Attorney for clients of all ages and circumstances — whether you're planning ahead in later life, responding to a health diagnosis, or simply being sensible about the future.
We can help with:
- Continuing Powers of Attorney covering financial and property matters
- Welfare Powers of Attorney covering health and personal care decisions
- Combined Continuing and Welfare Powers of Attorney
- Advice on choosing appropriate attorneys
- Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)
All Powers of Attorney we prepare are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, which is a legal requirement for them to be valid in Scotland.
If you'd like to put this protection in place, please get in touch and we'll walk you through the process step by step.