Set up a power of attorney now to make life easier later
One day you might need someone else to make important decisions for you
If one day you became seriously ill, you might be unable or unwilling to make important decisions for yourself. If this happens, your loved ones won’t automatically have the right to manage your affairs. They might have to make an application to a court, which would take time and cost money.
In the meantime, they might not get a say in how your finances and healthcare are managed. We might even have trouble paying your pension.
A power of attorney makes your wishes clear
Making a power of attorney is a precaution you take while you’re fit and well. It lets you choose people you trust to make decisions on your behalf, if you become unable to do so. It’s possible that it will never be needed. But if it is, it makes a difficult situation easier for you and your loved ones.
There are two types of power of attorney
- Health and welfare – This covers decisions about your health and personal care – such as where you should be treated, and the kind of care you should have
- Property and financial affairs – This covers decisions about your money and property, such as control of your bank account and the upkeep of your home
How to set up a power of attorney
- Choose your attorney – Decide who you’d like to make decisions on your behalf. It can be more than one person, and it could be different people for health and financial matters.
- Get their agreement – Make sure they’re willing to take on the role.
- Fill out the forms – You can find them at gov.uk/power-of-attorney.
- Register your power of attorney – You’ll need to send your completed forms to the Office of the Public Guardian. This costs £82. You can find the address at gov.uk/power-of-attorney/register
Age UK has some useful information about what’s involved. For more details, visit ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 055 6112.
We can’t help you set up a power of attorney. However, there are some organisations that can. Some people use paid services to set up a power of attorney. The Scheme can’t recommend one particular service over another.