Planning Ahead with Power of Attorney: Supporting the Puffin Pool
Planning ahead can make a real difference. Find out how a Power of Attorney can help you and your loved ones if circumstances change, and learn more about our November Power of Attorney Month, where Middleton Ross is proud to support Dingwall’s Puffin Pool.
None of us knows what the future might hold. While it can be difficult to think about a time when you may not be able to make decisions for yourself, putting a Power of Attorney (POA) in place is one of the most practical ways to plan ahead.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions or take action on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint one or more people, known as attorneys, to act on your behalf.
In Scotland, there are two main types of Power of Attorney:
Continuing Power of Attorney – covers financial and property matters. This can include dealing with bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, buying or selling property and dealing with other financial matters.
Welfare Power of Attorney – covers decisions about your personal welfare. This can include decisions about healthcare, accommodation and day-to-day welfare.
You can choose to have a Continuing Power of Attorney, a Welfare Power of Attorney, or both.
Why is a Power of Attorney important?
One of the biggest benefits of making a Power of Attorney is that you choose the person or people you trust to act for you.
This could be a spouse or partner, family member, friend or another person you have confidence in.
Without a Power of Attorney in place, your family cannot simply step in and take control of your finances or make welfare decisions for you if you lose the capacity to do so.
In some circumstances, an application for a Guardianship Order may be required. This involves an application to the court and can take considerable time and involve additional expense and stress for those involved.
Having a Power of Attorney in place means you have already made arrangements for someone you trust to help manage your affairs if needed.
A Power of Attorney isn't only relevant to older people. An accident, illness or other unexpected event could leave someone temporarily or permanently unable to manage their own affairs.
Putting a Power of Attorney in place while you have the capacity to do so means arrangements are already in place should circumstances change.
When should I make a Power of Attorney?
The important thing to remember is that a Power of Attorney needs to be made while you have the capacity to understand what you are signing and the powers you are giving to your attorneys.
You don't need to wait until you are elderly or unwell. In fact, putting a Power of Attorney in place while you are fit and well means you have the opportunity to consider your choices carefully, without having to make decisions during a crisis.
Our Power of Attorney Month with Puffin Pool
Throughout November, we will be donating our legal fees from Power of Attorney appointments to the Puffin Pool. The Puffin Pool is a charity based in Dingwall providing specialist hydrotherapy across the Highlands. The warm-water pool is designed to support people with a wide range of physical and neurological conditions, including arthritis, mobility difficulties, cerebral palsy, stroke and other disabilities.
For November, we are asking for a minimum donation of £250 for a single Power of Attorney or £350 for a mirror Power of Attorney.
Please note that the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registration fee of £99 per person is payable in addition to the minimum donation. This is a separate fee payable to the OPG for registering the Power of Attorney. We also charge £18 per person for our digital identity check.
It is a great opportunity to get your Power of Attorney sorted while also helping raise vital funds for the Puffin Pool.
Thinking about making a Power of Attorney?
If you have been putting it off, November could be the perfect time to get started.
Our team at Middleton Ross can talk you through the process, explain the different options and help you put the appropriate arrangements in place.
To book your appointment please follow the link to our online booking system. Please note our slots are limited.
