When it comes to creating Lasting Powers of Attorney in Braintree, it is necessary to consider appointing more than one attorney. With this in mind, Laura Richardson explains why you should consider appointing more than one attorney for your Lasting Powers of Attorney in Braintree.

Making Lasting Powers of Attorney involves granting a chosen Attorney or Attorneys the power to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated and unable to make the decisions for yourself. Because of the importance of the document, at the time of making your Lasting Powers of Attorney you must be over the age of 18 and show that you have the necessary mental capacity to understand the document and its implications.

When it comes to entrusting someone with important decisions regarding your life, it is crucial that you choose someone who will make decisions that are in your best interests, but also in line with your personal beliefs and wishes. There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney, one dealing with health and welfare decisions, and the other dealing with financial and property matters. You may wish to only make one Lasting Powers of Attorney, or you may wish to make both. In either case, you are entitled to appoint the same, or different Attorneys for each type of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Choosing an appropriate Attorney or Attorneys is an important decision, and you should carefully consider your options. You may also find it beneficial to discuss your choices with a loved one or someone you trust to advise you before approaching your potential Attorneys.

In order to ensure that your wishes are best carried out under your Lasting Powers of Attorney, you may find it beneficial to appoint more than one Attorney. There are three ways in which more than one Attorney can be appointed. Firstly, you can appoint your Attorneys jointly so that they must make all decisions together. Secondly, you can appoint your Attorneys to act ‘jointly and severally’ which allows your Attorneys to decide whether decisions will be agreed upon together, or whether one or other may make decisions in their own right at any time. A third option is to specify that only certain decisions must be made jointly, for example, if your property needs to be sold, or regarding end-of-life care decisions.

Before accepting the responsibility, your chosen Attorneys may wish to seek independent advice so that they fully understand the implications of the role. If you are considering making a Lasting Power of Attorney, or if you have been approached by a family member or friend who wishes to appoint you as their Attorney, contact Andrew Douglas Wills & Legal Services today. As well as drawing up your Lasting Powers of Attorney, Andrew Douglas Wills & Legal Services can provide you with comprehensive advice and information regarding your Lasting Powers of Attorney in Braintree (or anywhere else for that matter), as well as regarding the role of becoming an Attorney. Whether in Braintree or the surrounding areas of Essex, call today for your free initial consultation!

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