15/10/2026
A Will deals with what happens when you die. Yes, I went there straight away.
A Power of Attorney though, it helps you while you are still alive. That really is useful.
If you became unable to manage your own affairs, your husband, wife, partner or children do not automatically have the legal authority to step in and look after everything for you.
Surprisingly, being “next of kin” does not give them that authority. It just doesn’t.
A Power of Attorney lets you choose who you want to act for you when you can’t do it for yourself.
This can include things like:
• dealing with your bank accounts and bills
• managing your property and finances
• speaking to companies and institutions on your behalf
• making decisions about your care and welfare - including big decisions
• and all the other practical stuff that still needs dealt with even if you cannot deal with them yourself
And this is not something that only matters in old age. It’s for right now.
A serious illness, accident, stroke or just a general loss of capacity can happen at any point. Any age.
If there is no Power of Attorney in place and you lose capacity, your family would likely have to go through a legal process to get the authority to act for you.
That takes time. It costs money. And it happens at exactly the point when your family is already dealing with the most stressful situation imaginable.
Or you could sort it out in advance.
You choose who you trust.
You decide who can act.
You make sure the right people have the authority to help you if you or they ever need it.
That is why I recommend Powers of Attorney so strongly.
If you have made a Will but have never put a Power of Attorney in place, it really is worth looking at.
And if you haven’t made a Will yet then it’s often wise to do both together. You’ll save money that way too.
If you want to know more and how I can help you, send me a quick message.
A relaxed chat is always free and is the best place to start.
