During these unprecedented times with lots of negative news dominating the headlines, we thought we would share a positive news story in an attempt to lift spirits amid the Coronavirus outbreak...
Throughout January 2020, we delivered our third 'Charity Lasting Power of Attorney Scheme', where we offered a 25% discount on Lasting Powers of Attorney as well as a donation to four local charities per Lasting Power of Attorney appointment. We delivered this campaign to raise awareness of dementia and the legal implications; encouraging our clients and the general public to make provisions for the future, should they lose the ability to make decisions for themselves in later life.
We are delighted to announce that this scheme raised a total of £1040 to support four Norfolk based charities. Age UK Norwich, Keeping Abreast, North Norfolk Community Transport and Cruse Bereavement Care Norwich all benefited from the scheme; each receiving a £260 donation from Clapham & Collinge Solicitors.
Although it is often difficult to think about, it is crucial that we plan for the future and ensure we can manage our financial affairs in the event of an incapacitating illness, accident or injury. Everyone understands the importance of a Will, but Lasting Powers of Attorney are a bit more obscure in the public sphere and often people are not aware why they need them. A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people (known as 'attorneys') to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and can't make decisions for yourself (where you 'lack mental capacity') or when you simply want to delegate the role to someone you trust.
What happens if I don't make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
- No one has legal authority to act on your behalf – your spouse and children have no automatic rights to make decisions on your behalf
- Someone will need to make an application to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order
- This can be costly, time consuming and you may not end up being assisted by the person you would have chosen yourself
For more information on Lasting Powers of Attorney, please visit our dedicated Lasting Powers of Attorney webpage.
Lin Whitehead, Partner and Head of the Private Client said ''As a firm we are passionate about raising awareness of dementia and dispelling dangerous misconceptions about managing your affairs when you lose mental capacity. We are delighted with the uptake of Lasting Powers of Attorneys and the total amount raised for our chosen charities.''
Louis Hilldrup-Boorman, Marketing Manager said ''This scheme formed part of our ongoing campaign to raise awareness of dementia and prompted clients and the general public to make provisions for the future. We are proud to make a donation of £260 to each beneficiary, which will help each charity to continue providing important services to our community during these challenging times. We look forward to implementing this scheme once again in January 2021.''
To find out more or discuss your individual requirements in further detail, our dedicated Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors will be delighted to help. Contact us today on 01603 693500 or email us using the 'Make an enquiry' form on our website. Appointments are available at our Norwich, North Walsham and Sheringham offices.
