Power Of Attorney

[Coldicote]

One sometimes hears of an elderly or sick person giving power of attorney to someone else to manage their affairs for them. Does that mean the person giving that power loses all control, or can they still use their bank account, cheques, on-line shopping etc.?

[woofgang]

no the person shouldn't lose any control provided that they still have the metal capacity to decide what they want to do. If they do lose mental capacity, then the holder of the power of attorney is required to act as the person would wish them to.

[catsrcool]

My Mother is dying of MND in a nursing home. Once she had been diagnosed with the disease we got our local solicitor to visit and draw up the paperwork while she was still able to communicate.
https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/overview

[Coldicote]

Thank you for your replies. Not an easy subject, but it is important that a person giving POA should understand the position they will be in. Interesting to hear of any further comments.

[woofgang]

it does depend what you need it for, it might be possible to manage doing something simpler and cheaper like opening a joint bank account.

[treetops68]

POA is normaly used,as has been stated,where a person can no longer manage their own affairs (and is normaly a close family member) but the other use is for an Executor of a will to hold a POA to enable them to cut through most of the red tape they face once the benefactor has died,especialy if things like shares are involved (once again, usually a family member) but any honest,upstanding and trusted person can fullfill the role.

[woofgang]

treetops, a POA legally ends on the death of the person, so not sure how it can help after they have died.

[treetops68]

To all,my appologies. I'd got hold of the wrong end of the stick on that one!!