Powers of Attorney
Power of Attorney Solicitors to protect your future
Do you want to plan for your future in case you lose your mental capacity in later life?
Has a loved one or family member recently been diagnosed with dementia?
Are you unsure what a Power of Attorney is and how it can help?
No one knows what our future holds
In the years to come, old age, illness, or injury may leave you struggling to make decisions for yourself or unable to deal with your own affairs. This might happen gradually, or suddenly due to an accident, disability or illness.
By law, no one else can make decisions for you or deal with your property or finances. Unless you make arrangements beforehand, bills may go unpaid and you could lose your home and independence.
Like an insurance policy, a Lasting Power of Attorney gives you peace of mind by letting you control how you would like to be cared for before your health deteriorates.
It’s also there to protect loved ones who may be showing increasing signs of confusion or potential dementia. But it’s not just for people reaching old age. A loss of mental capacity can also be caused by a sudden accident, disability or illness.
Meet Tracey,
our Senior Power of Attorney specialist
Tracey Medlock
Private Client Executive
“Do I need to create a Power Of Attorney?”
“I think Power of Attorney is more important than the will…
…don’t think this is just for the elderly, I mean accidents, strokes, early onset dementia…
…I’ve had one for a decade now.”
Martin Lewis
Watch Martin Lewis’ short explanation of a Power of Attorney
What is a Power of Attorney?
You might have heard of the term Lasting Power of Attorney, but it can be confusing like so many legal terms.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a power that ‘lasts’ after you have lost mental capacity. It gives the person or people you have chosen the power to manage your affairs on your behalf, if you have become mentally or physically unable to.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
Property and Financial Affairs Power of Attorney
This enables an individual to take responsibility for their finances and the upkeep of any properties they may own.
Health and Welfare Power of Attorney
This allows your appointed attorney to make decisions about your future health and care arrangements.
It places you at the center of the decision-making process, removing potential problems in the future when you might not be able to advocate for yourself.
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney ensures your loved ones don’t face further legal difficulties down the line having to apply for a Court of Protection order.
Who can act as your Power of Attorney?
They must be over 18 years old
You must trust them implicitly
They should be organised and responsible
Not a professional care worker, unless in exceptional circumstances
Not bankrupt if responsible for financial decisions
Not someone who can't work with other attorneys
If you don’t have someone in mind, a professional at Tierneys could act as your Attorney.
The benefits of making a Power of Attorney
Peace of mind:
Knowing your affairs will be handled by someone you trust if you become unable to manage them yourself, provides invaluable peace of mind.
Maintaining control:
You choose who manages your finances, health, or legal matters, ensuring your wishes are respected.
Save time, hassle and cost:
Without a Power of Attorney, loved ones may face costly legal hurdles and long court delays in making decisions on your behalf during emergencies or incapacity.
Protecting your loved ones:
A Power of Attorney eases the burden on family members, preventing them from navigating complex legal processes during stressful times.
Safeguarding your assets:
A trusted attorney can manage your finances responsibly, protecting your assets from potential mismanagement or exploitation.
— FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions we’re asked about Power of Attorney
Simple and concise answers to give you a basic understanding of what’s involved in creating a Power of Attorney.
Do I really need a solicitor? Can’t I do it myself?
Whilst there’s nothing to stop you from applying for a power of attorney it’s not a simple process.
An experienced legal specialist will explore your circumstances, make sure all angles are covered and safeguard you against your Power of Attorney being challenged in court.
Who should I appoint as my Power of Attorney?
How long will the process take?
What if the individual has already lost their mental capacity?
You must have capacity to make a Power of Attorney. So you need to make it before you need it.
If you or a loved one has already lost mental capacity or is struggling to look after themselves now, then you will likely need to apply to the Court of Protection.
What does the appointed Power of Attorney do?
Their responsibilities include:
● Making sure the individual is always at the center of the decision making process and always acting in their best interest.
● Adhering to the specific instructions or preferences set out in the Power of Attorney document.
● Support the individual in making their own decisions as much as possible.
● Keeping detailed records of transactions and decisions made.
Your Powers of Attorney team at
Tierneys Solicitors
Tracey Medlock
Private Client Executive
Joined Tierneys in 2022
Andrea Cerevkova
Private Client Executive
Joined Tierneys in 2026
Joanne Bacon
Legal Assistant
Joined Tierneys in 2020