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    Basic Wills from £125.00
    Without a valid Last Will and Testament any assets you leave on death will be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. These rules lay down a rigid method of estate distribution and make no account of your wishes. Click the image to read more...
  • We realise that most people haven’t experienced probate before. Probate is the administration of a deceased’s Estate by the appointed “executors” in the Will, usually family members. At an already difficult and emotional time, the complexities of executing a Will and establishing any appropriate Trusts can be an arduous task. Click the image to the left to read more...
  • Inheritance Tax is simply a tax on money or possessions you leave behind when you pass on.It can also apply to some “gifts” you make during your lifetime. It is therefore vital that you receive professional Inheritance Tax Advice on your position to minimise the impact and tax paid should the worst happen, ensuring that your loved ones receive as much of your money as possible. Click the image to the left to read more...
  • Without a valid Last Will and Testament any assets you leave on death will be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. These rules lay down a rigid method of estate distribution and make no account of your wishes, unless you write a will. Click the image to the left to read more...
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney from £150
    Lasting Powers of Attorney from £150
    Often serious illness or accidents strike without warning. Last year, for example, approximately 130000 people suffered strokes. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney being available this is when it becomes difficult... Click the image to the left to read more...

Access Denied

By on February 13, 2011 in Latest News, Uncategorized

Reports in ‘The Mail on Sunday’ today indicate that many Banks in the UK do not understand or accept Lasting Powers of Attorney. They also fail to recognise deputies appointed through the Court of Protection. As a result many carers are being denied access to the bank accounts of the people under their protection.

Fortunately the Financial Ombudsman Service has ruled strongly in favour of a carer who received that sort of bad service and who felt it necessary to pursue her complaint to the highest authority. The Bank involved finally apologised and compensated the carer for the ‘distress’ it caused. The case will cause many Banks to review their procedures.

The real importance of this report is to emphasise the need for a proper Power of Attorney to be in place where any individual becomes incapable of administering their own financial affairs. Anyone with assets and in particular cash,bank accounts,stocks and shares etc. should set up a Lasting Power of Attorney in the event that for any reason they become mentally incapable of handling their own affairs. The initial cost for doing this is miniscule when compared with the cost of applying to the Court of Protection to become a deputy in such circumstances and with all the stress that is inevitably experienced.