Everything you need to know about Lasting Power of Attorneys
Record numbers of people are formally assigning emergency decision-making to those they trust with a Lasting Power of Attorney. 726,000 people handed over control of their affairs to those they trust in 2016 alone and the figure has grown by 180 percent in the last 5 years alone. But would you know where to start? Fiona Heald is a partner in the Court of Protection team at Moore Blatch Solicitors. She looks after the interests of vulnerable people and where appropriate their carers, helping them deal with the issues that arise in later life. Fiona ensures her clients’ wishes are met both now and in the future, which involves putting in place the necessary arrangements and legal structures. This is a highly specialised area of law, requiring not only expert legal advice but also the ability to understand the emotional issues that arise. In this episode, Fiona explains the types of Power of Attorney, how to choose a suitable attorney and how to put a Power of Attorney in place. Fiona is a member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP), Treasurer for the South Central branch of Solicitors for the Elderly and a Dementia Friends Champion. Here’s my highly informative interview with Fiona Heald, in episode 009 of The Retirement Café Podcast.