Confused about Lasting Powers of Attorney?
Recent media coverage has left local people confused according to Lincoln Solicitor Richard Dale, who attends a weekly legal surgery at Age Concern.
Lasting Powers of Attorney have attracted a lot of attention and we have experienced a surge in enquiries. A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions about things such as your health care or finances on your behalf at a time in the future when you may lack the mental capacity to make those decisions for yourself. The recent change from the Enduring Power of Attorney to the Lasting Power of Attorney has meant that some people are now feeling worried about whether they need to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, and if their existing Enduring powers are still valid. We are happy to help whether you have a quick question or need more detailed advice.&.' said Mr Dale.
Dale & Co. Solicitors has provided a free guide which is available from the office on Beaumont Fee or from Age Concern.
Lasting Powers of Attorney were introduced in 2007 and replaced the Enduring Powers of Attorney. The Lasting Powers have additional safeguards included to protect you from fraud which require a certificate provider and to register the document with the Office of the Public Guardian. Their are two different types - one for your finances (similar to those issues considered in the Enduring Power of Attorney) and one which includes your wishes for your personal welfare, such as medical treatment and care homes, which the Enduring Powers of Attorney did not set out.
If you have made an Enduring Power of Attorney it is still valid and will need to be registered if it becomes necessary for the Powers to be used. You can also make a Personal Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney to run alongside your existing Enduring Powers of Attorney to cover those issues not included in your original document.
Contact Dale and Co. Solicitors to request your copy of our complimentary guide or to book an appointment.
Spot the difference - Will Writer or Solicitor?
You don't need a Solicitor to write a Will, but as they are qualified to write Wills, using a Solicitor can give real advantages and peace of mind.
Richard Dale, of Dale and Co. Solicitors in Lincoln, said 'your Will is an important document and it is important to be confident that it clearly sets out your wishes, is enforceable and is thorough.
By using a qualified Solicitor to prepare your Will, you make sure that you are getting professional, quality advice. The consequences of having a badly prepared Will can be extensive. You may end up paying a lot more, the advice given may not be in your best legal interests or your Will may not clearly set out your wishes - or could even be invalid - leaving your family with an expensive muddle to sort out at an already difficult time.'
It can be very tempting to use Will Writing services - which often advertise very low fees and home visits, but check your options carefully. Recent research has stated that 67% of people believe that Will writers are all Solicitors - this is incorrect and it is important to know the difference.
'Make sure that you check the credentials of the person writing your Will, and what is included in the price. It is also vital that you make sure that whoever makes your Will is properly insured - to guarantee their work' said Mr. Dale.
Will writers charge hidden fees, and as you do not need qualifications to work as a Will writer, the completed Will may not be of the best quality. Solicitors are regulated and so their charges are likely to be less. They may also be able to store your Will for free. Dale and Co. Solicitors offer this service and will also send you Will reminders to make sure that your Will is always correct and up to date. All Solicitors will hold the necessary insurance, but as Will Writers are unregulated, they may not have this in place.
If you use a firm of Solicitors, you may deal with a qualified Legal Executive (who will use the initials F.Inst.L.Ex after their name). Legal Executives will provide you with the same benefits of using a Solicitor. They will be supervised by a Solicitor and, as part of a firm, will have access to a breadth of legal specialists that a Will writer will not.
If you have used a Will writer for your existing Will and are not confident of their qualifications, you can ask your Solicitors to check the document for you.
Dale and Co. Solicitors Lincoln are happy to check your Will for errors or omissions and will make sure that your Will clearly sets out your wishes.
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Dale and Co Solicitors, and Dale and Co Solicitors Lincoln, are the trading names of Dale and Co Solicitors Limited. Company Number 6676941. Registered Office as opposite. Registered in England. Directors - Mr. Richard Dale and Mrs. Georgia Corby. VAT Number 365 2874 27. SRA Number 62764
Contents of this website © Dale and Co. Solicitors Limited Ethos and History
Richard Dale BA (Hons) Solicitor opened his own office in 1986 with one assistant, offering a no-nonsense approach to legal work.
Clients' needs have shaped the growth of Dale & Co. Solicitors Lincoln which now occupies three fine Victorian offices in Lincoln City Centre.Clients' needs have shaped the growth of Dale & Co. Solicitors Lincoln which now occupies three fine Victorian offices in Lincoln City Centre.
You will be welcomed with a fresh coffee and a friendly smile. All advice is independent and in your interests. Traditional values are maintained alongside the latest technological developments to ensure you receive the best possible service.
Dale & Co. Solicitors organises the Lincoln Philosophy Cafe
Richard Dale is Chairman of the Lincoln Speakers' Corner Trust Founding Committee
Vacancies at Dale and Co. Solicitors Lincoln
Jobs available at present.
- Conveyancing Secretary. Previous experience required to work in busy friendly and efficient department. Full time or part time.
Applications can be made in strictest confidence to Richard Dale
Email - rdale@dale-law.co.uk
Post - Dale and Co. Solicitors, 11 Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1UH |
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