At some point in the future, it may become difficult or even, impossible for you to look after and manage your own affairs.
It may be that you have lost mental capacity, or have simply reached a stage in your life where you would rather that someone else took on the responsibility for looking after your day-to-day finances.
At Aberdein Considine, we have specialist lawyers who can guide you in the right direction.
Power of attorney
A power of attorney (POA) allows you to appoint a family member, friend or professional adviser to make financial or welfare decisions on your behalf should you be unable or unwilling to do so.
POAs can allow someone to deal with your financial affairs or, with regards to matters of personal welfare, continuing welfare POAs can be utilised.
POA can be drafted quickly and cost effectively so as to reflect your individual circumstances and wishes, whilst also being flexible enough to make certain that your trusted attorney is able to deal with any conceivable scenario.
Guardianships
Should you lose mental capacity it is no longer possible for you to grant a POA.
If that happens, then it may be necessary for an application to be made to the courts to have someone appointed as your financial or welfare guardian. Our court lawyers can help you take control of the affairs of a loved one should that be necessary by guiding you through the court process of obtaining an intervention or guardianship order.
Advance medical directives
Advance medical directives (or ADM) are often referred to as ‘living wills’. An ADM records any wishes you may have regarding medical treatment you may or may not wish to have in future.
An ADM can also provide invaluable guidance to family and medical professionals at a time when you are no longer able to express your wishes.
Our lawyers are able to assist you with the drafting of an ADM in order to ensure that your wishes are given effect.
Our private client department
POAs, guardianships and AMDs are dealt with by our private client department, who can also help with:
- Trusts
- Executry administration
- Deeds of variation (deeds of family arrangement) varying the division of an estate
- Legal rights, cohabitants' claims and other entitlements from estates
- Intervention orders
- Estate and tax planning
- Notarisation or certification of documents
Speak to an expert
If you would like to speak to someone in our private client department, click here.
