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Very helpful and efficient
Katherine was very helpful and efficient from start to finish and all the documentation she sent through had clear instructions so that we could complete it easily.
- Nicola
Fast, friendly and efficient service!
We have nothing but praise for Charlotte Bandawe who helped us with every detail (and a smile in her voice) along the way. A pleasure to deal with them!
- Wayne Beasley
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to efficiently conclude your matter.
Personally assigned
member of the team from start to finish.
Award-winning solicitors
and experts in Wills and Probate matters.
We specialise in most areas related to Wills and Probate including will writing, trusts, inheritance tax planning, intestacy, power of attorney, and estate administration.
As members of Solicitors for the Elderly, our solicitors are specialists in dealing with elderly client matters such as court of protection and cost of care advice. Whatever your need, we can assist. We operate from offices in Leeds but, help clients in all of England and Wales.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document whereby an individual (known as the donor) over the age of eighteen who has capacity, can choose who they wish to appoint to help them manage their financial and property decisions or health and welfare decisions should they become mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to make these decisions themselves.
The people who are appointed under the LPA are known as attorneys.
Why is it important?
You can only make an LPA whilst you have the capacity to understand the nature and scope of the LPA. You must choose a person to provide a certificate to confirm that you are able to make an LPA.
It is also important to discuss all these matters with family and friends, particularly those who you choose to appoint as your attorneys, whilst you are able to, so that your attorneys are well aware of your wishes in the event that you do lose capacity.
Why should I make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
It is entirely your decision who you appoint to be your attorneys but, you must be satisfied that they are trustworthy and capable of handling your personal or financial affairs.
You are able to include any “preferences” and “instructions” in either of the LPA’s you decide to make, to provide your attorneys with guidance.
If you have included any instructions in your LPA’s then these MUST be followed by your attorney as these are binding.
Your attorneys have the authority to speak on your behalf, this can be as simple as authorising utility bills to be addressed to another person.
Your attorneys have the authority to manage your business accounts and make business decisions in your best interests and the best interests of the business.
If you do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney and you do not have sufficient mental capacity to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, the alternative is to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a deputy to deal with your financial affairs.
The Court makes the decision as to who is appointed as your deputy. This may not be who you would choose. This process will take significantly longer than making a Lasting Power of Attorney and will cost more.
Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd can assist you through this process and provide you with the necessary advice. Our team has gained an excellent reputation amongst local organisations and their client-base for delivering a personal and compassionate service.
As a firm, we pride ourselves on having a high standard of customer service and making all our current and potential clients feel at ease when making any
decisions regarding their future wishes.
You will have a dedicated advisor who will work through the Lasting Powers of Attorney process with you from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have.
Your advisor will also continue to provide regular updates until your application has been completed. We will ensure the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
What LPA matters can we assist with?
If you believe or feel you have a claim, contact us for a free initial consultation regarding your options:
Charlotte Bandawe is our Head of Wills and Probate department, leading a team of two other colleagues. She is also our firm’s Dementia Champion, enabling her to train other staff in how best to understand and aid clients and carers living with dementia.
Charlotte is also a member of Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE).
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