A Power of Attorney is a document which authorises someone you trust to deal with your personal financial matters.  This is something you may consider as you get older and either become less able to deal with your financial matters or less inclined to do so.  It means that you can rely on these matters to be attended to should the need arise – for example, if you became ill, or had an accident, or had diminished mental capacity caused by illness or old age.  Many people also decide to grant a Power of Attorney if they are to be absent out of the country for any reason.

You can also appoint a Welfare Attorney to make decisions on matters such as personal care, where you should live, and what medical treatment is appropriate, if you are unable to make these decisions yourself in the future.

However, if you have not granted a Power of Attorney but become incapacitated in the future, your family may have to instruct a Guardianship application to be made to the court on your behalf.  This is a more costly procedure than granting a Power of Attorney and involves more formalities with the court and with ongoing administration and monitoring with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Contacts:  Andrea Hay, Garry Sutherland, Fiona Runciman

Telephone or email Avril Wood at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange an appointment.