Why you must make power of attorney a priority in 2024

It’s January and many of us will have our resolutions. Some of us will be promising to spend more time in the gym, while others may be aiming to adopt a healthier diet. For some, there may be a vow to finish off long-neglected projects.

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We’re promising to be a fitter, healthier, more productive version of our old selves – ready for anything 2024 throws at us.

But, while all of this is worthwhile, we could still be ignoring one of the most important areas of all – our legal affairs.

Having the right legal protections in place will give you peace of mind for the coming year.

The importance of Power of Attorney and Wills

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Measures such as Power of Attorney and Wills make sure your wishes are followed whatever happens to you. You risk them being ignored if you don’t have them.

Did you know that something as simple as a high temperature can result in you being declared incapacitated and stop you from taking your own decisions? But the simple act of granting POA means someone you trust can make those decisions for you. Without POA, your spouse, son or daughter does not have the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf.

It’s an important protection, as authority is needed for an ever-increasing range of situations.

Tony Marchi, principal at ILAWS Scotland, says: “People think POA is only for someone with dementia. It’s really not. An accident or illness is enough to have someone incapacitated and you can do nothing these days without authority. Whereas 20 years ago you could pay a care bill from your wife’s bank account, you just cannot do these things these days. You can be in hospital and you can’t even change your TV package without authority.”

Problems you could face include doctors making your medical decisions without the consent of your loved ones and in some cases medics won’t administer treatment if there is any risk to you, even if your spouse or children wish them to do so.

Why now is the time to act

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Currently ILAWS is arranging Power of Attorneys for a special price of £199 (plus £85 Scottish Court registration fee). It’s a one-off cost too, as the fee applies to the granter of the Power of Attorney. So, if you grant POA to five people it will cost the same as for one. However, the offer ends on January 31.

The firm offers a no-obligation, free consultation, if you decide it’s not for you then it won’t cost you a penny.

You should also be thinking of arranging a Will, if you don’t already have one.

If you die without a Will (and it is advised that every adult in Scotland should have one) your spouse is left with all of the family’s assets. If they then need care, fall into debt or remarry, the whole of the estate is at risk. That means your children could end up with nothing. It could even mean that someone else’s children may inherit your estate. A Will can prevent this.

So as well as giving you peace of mind, it will also save your family and loved ones the stress of trying to determine or fight for what you would have wanted when you are no longer here.

A simple Will can be written in the comfort of your own home for only £48 through ILAWS. Again though, this offer must end on January 31.

So if you make just one resolution this January, make it get your legal affairs in order.

Tony says: “How many times have you promised yourself that you’ll go get a Will, or a Power of Attorney, and then not done it? If you haven’t done it, this is the year. People say they’re going to sort their pension, sort their Will – but truly, if you have a list, this should be at the top.”

Contact ILAWS to get your Power of Attorney or Will sorted and have peace of mind in 2024.