A Power of Attorney is a document in which you grant someone else the power to run your affairs for you if you become mentally incapacitated in the future for any reason, through an accident or illness (such as dementia).

There are two kinds of Power of Attorney which will help if you become mentally incapacitated:

  • Continuing (financial) Power of Attorney - which allows someone to look after your money and property
  • Welfare Power of Attorney - which allows someone to decide about your personal welfare, such as medical and care decisions.

You can make one Power of Attorney covering both welfare and money matters, or two powers, appointing different people. You can appoint joint attorneys or choose someone as a substitute attorney in case your first choice can’t carry on. Your attorney needs to be someone you trust, like a relative, friend or professional.

To set up your own power of attorney, see a solicitor.

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