You insure your house, car and even your animals against a multitude of risks but have you considered granting a Power of Attorney to ensure it is someone you know and trust who will be able to take decisions on your behalf in the event of you no longer being capable?

Like insurance, you hope a Power of Attorney will never need to be used.  However it gives you peace of mind that should your mental capacity be impaired in the future whether by a stoke, Alzheimer’s, or some other cause, the appropriate measures are in place to allow your nearest and dearest to take care of your affairs.

By the time you require an attorney m you may longer have the capacity to appoint one.  In this case your relations would have to petition the court to have a guardian appointed.  This is a lengthy and costly process which requires the preparation of medical and social work reports.

You should therefore consider granting a Power of Attorney now in favour of a trusted family member or friend.   If you wish, James and George Collie has a trustee company who could be appointed to take care of your financial affairs.

Powers of Attorney can deal with financial and / or welfare matters.  A continuing or financial Power of Attorney allows an Attorney to take over acting on behalf of the grantor in relation to all financial or business matters.  This would cover using their bank account, organising insurance and even selling any property.  A continuing or financial Attorney can begin acting, if you wish, while you still have mental capacity but when you may find it more convenient to have someone else manage your affairs.  They could continue to act even in the event of your losing capacity in the future.

A welfare Power of Attorney allows the Attorney to take decisions relating to medical treatment, care and accommodation.  In this case however the Attorney would only be able to take these decisions in the event of you losing capacity.

At James & George Collie we can advise you fully on all aspects of granting a Power of Attorney.  Please contact Mr Philip G Dawson on 01224 581581 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Miss Vivienne Bruce on the same number or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.