1 February 2010

 

A week of free seminars is being held by Harrogate lawyers Barber Titleys to advise people about making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

 

The seminars, for up to ten people at a time, are being held by Barber Titleys at its North Park Road offices, from 1pm to 2pm between March 1 and 5.

 

LPAs, introduced in 2007, are legal documents and currently the only way that people can appoint an attorney to deal with their property and affairs if they lose mental capacity. LPAs can also deal with welfare decisions under the same circumstances. 

 

Three solicitors from Barber Titleys private client department, Belinda Strachan, a member of specialist legal body, Solicitors For The Elderly; Clare Railton and Edward Taylor, will host the seminars and advise those attending on the growing need for LPAs in a society where people are wealthier than previous generations, expected to retire later and live longer.

 

Clare Railton says: “Making an LPA is the only way for people to ensure that their affairs are managed in line with their wishes in the event of them losing physical or mental capacity, whether due to an accident while young, or illnesses associated with old age.                                         

“Many people make the mistake of thinking that a Will provides for this but a Will takes effect only on death.”

 

If a person does not appoint an attorney under an LPA, the only route for family members to take control of a loved one’s affairs is to apply to the Court of Protection but this is costly, time-consuming and offers less control for the person whose affairs will be managed.

 

The Court of Protection is also currently subject to an internal review ordered last year (2009) by justice secretary Jack Straw after growing criticism of how it operates since being re-structured three years ago.

 

Clare Railton adds: “We live in an ageing society. There are currently 700,000 people in the UK suffering with dementia and this is forecast to double within a generation.

 

“More people are now running their own businesses and retiring later will mean that they should consider who will control these assets should the need arise. Like insurance, an LPA offers you protection and peace of mind against unforeseen/unwelcome future eventualities.”

 

Those attending the seminars who decide to complete an LPA will have them stored by Barber Titleys free of charge. To book a seminar place, call us on (01423) 502211 or email us.