Making decisions for ourselves is something we all take for granted, but what happens if you lose capacity to look after your finances or welfare? This could happen to any of us suddenly and unexpectedly a result of an accident or of ill-health.
It is also a sad fact that 1 in 3 of us will suffer from dementia.
Whatever your age it is important to take time now to grant Power of Attorney in favour of someone you trust. Being prepared will give you and your family peace of mind.
Many people think that a family member, being a spouse, civil partner or child, will automatically be able to make decisions for them but that is not the case.
Unless you have a Power of Attorney your family does not have the right to make decisions on your behalf.
If you are unfortunate enough to be one of the 1 in 3 who develops dementia and you do not have a Power of Attorney, your family members may have to go to Court to obtain the legal authority to act on your behalf.
Power of Attorney makes sense. By getting a Power of Attorney, you have the right to choose someone who you trust to make specific decisions on your behalf if you need help or if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself.
This is also a topic which has been discussed recently in the media.
Phone us on 0131 556 4044 (any extension), email us at law@fergussonlaw.com or check out our website www.fergussonlaw.com for more information on how we can help you.