Now it’s cheaper to register Lasting Powers of Attorney

The process of registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) is now cheaper and simpler.

The cost of registration has been reduced from £150 to £120 and the forms and accompanying documentation now use plainer language.

LPAs have proved very popular since they replaced the old Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) in 2007 because they offer more choice to people who want to prepare for a time when they may lose some of their mental capacity.

The property and finance LPA allows you to appoint someone to look after your financial affairs if you become physically or mentally incapable of doing so yourself - or if you spend time abroad and would like someone to manage your affairs.

The personal welfare LPA lets you grant an attorney authority over such matters as health care and the kind of medical treatment you receive but cannot be used until you become mentally incapable.

The Office of the Public Guardian needs to register LPAs before they can be used. Registration is followed by a 42-day statutory waiting period to allow interested parties to raise objections to the registration. This waiting period is one of the safeguards built into the process to ensure that the LPA has been drawn up properly and is not fraudulent.

People who have registered LPAs say it provides peace of mind to know that arrangements are in place to protect their interests should they lose the capacity to do so themselves as they get older.

By Alison Playle - solicitor in the Wills and Probate Department at Andersons Solicitors she can be contacted on 0115 947 0641 or by emailing: aplayle@andersonssolicitors.co.uk

Don’t let a battle of wills split your family

Family disputes over wills have risen dramatically in recent years, partly because of the rising number of second marriages and the increasing value of estates.

A typical problem arises when a man marries for a second time but then leaves most of his wealth to the children of his first marriage. The second wife may feel she hasn’t been adequately provided for and decide to challenge the will.

The problem also occurs the other way round with a man leaving all his estate to his second wife and nothing or very little to the children of his first marriage.

There are cases in which a will ignores someone like a son or daughter who expects to inherit but gives no explanation as to why that person has been missed out.

There can be other strong reasons why someone might challenge a will.

Disputes can arise because a relative feels the person making the will was subjected to undue influence by someone who wants to benefit unfairly. This might be particularly relevant if close relatives are overlooked and the estate is left to someone outside the family.

Most of these problems can be avoided if you make a will while you are fit and healthy. No one wants to spark a family rift. Make your intentions clear and unequivocal so there is no unseemly squabbling once you’ve gone.

To avoid these problems we advise you see a solicitor. Make an appointment now to make your will by contacting Alison Playle on 0115 947 0641 or by emailing aplayle@andersonssolicitors.co.uk.

Alison Playle of Andersons Solicitors accepted as member of Solicitors for the Elderly

Alison Playle of Andersons Solicitors is celebrating after passing her exams to be accepted as a member of the national association Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

Membership can only be attained by Solicitors who have a high level of experience, competence and professionalism when dealing with older people and their carers.

Andersons, the Nottingham based solicitors, provides a variety of specialist legal services. The firm has a team of lawyers who specialise in legal issues for the elderly. Alison’s membership of SFE will provide clients with the assurance that Andersons has wide ranging expertise in providing legal services for the elderly.
Alison said “I have been specialising in legal services for the elderly for over 15 years, and am looking forward to continuing my development in this area so that I am able to give my clients and colleagues first class legal advice in a field of law which is constantly evolving, as the requirements of the elderly population change.”

For more information please call Alison Playlre on 0115 947 0641 or email aplayle@andersonssolicitors.co.uk