Gillespie Macandrew are running an information seminar about acting as an Attorney and what that entails.
As more people live longer it often becomes necessary for one relative to act on behalf of the other. This can be dealt with by granting a Power of Attorney to give a trusted person the power to stand in your shoes in matters of finance and personal welfare.
In 2015, there was a near 35% rise in the number of under 65s registering a PoA compared with 2014, with dramatic rises in the number of over 50s and over 40s putting in place the assurance that someone they trust will look after their affairs if they become incapable.
In the 40-50 age bracket, the increase over the previous year was 31%; while those in the 50-65 age range, the jump in 2015 over 2014 was 41%.
Over the same two year period there was a 19% rise in POAs registered by the over 65s.
In many cases the PoA does not ever have to be used, but if it does the Attorney may have major decisions to make about someone’s health, welfare and/or their finances.
Gillespie Macandrew is hosting the seminar on 9 November 2016 at the firm’s office in central Edinburgh for attorneys to prepare them for a time when they might have to act.
Participants can come along to meet the team of solicitors who specialise in advising on Powers of Attorney and how they work.
Elspeth Paget, Head of Private Client at Gillespie Macandrew, said:
“There is a misconception among many that a Power of Attorney is something that we will only need in later life or should we find ourselves faced with declining health. In reality, there has been a substantial increase in the number of Powers of Attorney registered in Scotland by those below the age of retirement, according to figures we have obtained from the Office of Public Guardian.
“We have organised the seminar in realisation that many people are not sure what being an Attorney means and what powers and duties people actually have. Our team can provide advice on this and those attending can ask questions in a friendly and informal atmosphere.”
The seminar will take place at 5.30 – 8 pm on Wednesday 9 November at Gillespie Macandrew, 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ. Numbers are limited so to reserve a place please contact sarah.millar-harker@gillespiemacandrew.co.uk or call 0131 225 1677.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
