Professional attorneys are often appointed by the Court of Protection when the family are unable to agree or there is no one who wishes to take on the role.
However, there are many cases where the family just are not able to act as attorneys because they are on the other side of the world, just don’t have the time or are not good with paperwork.
Sometimes the family has issues and it is just not appropriate to appoint family members, perhaps because it would lead to petty jealousy and squabbling. Sadly, it is not at all unusual for a family to fall out over such issues.
So in many cases, professional attorneys might be the answer, especially where the estate is substantial and there may be complex issues to deal with. We’re not pretending it is a cheap option – family work free, and professional services with the necessary back up are not cheap.
We can, however, offer a reasonably priced alternative through our associated Trust Corporation, so if this is an issue for you when writing your Lasting Power of Attorney, please do have a word with us and we’ll introduce you.
Professional Attorney Services
The role of an attorney involves a great deal of power and responsibility. Clients must think carefully about who they choose and who they can trust to make decisions in their best interest.
A Trust Corporation can act as a professional attorney for you if they have no-one able or willing or appropriate to fulfil the role.
What can professional attorneys do?
- Opening, closing or operating any bank, building society or other accounts.
- Buying or selling property.
- Claiming, receiving and using all benefits, pensions, allowances and rebates.
- Deal with tax affairs.
- Pay the mortgage or rent and household expenses.
- Insure, maintain and repair the home.
- Invest savings to achieve the best return.
- Make gifts to family and friends for birthdays, weddings and at Christmas or continue making gifts to a charity that has been regularly donated to.
- Repay the interest and capital on any loan you have taken out.
- Pay for private medical care and residential or nursing home fees.
- Obtain any equipment or other help you may need.
Although this is not a complete list, a general Property and Affairs LPA will allow the attorney to carry out any or all of the actions above.
For more details on professional attorneys, please contact us.