How Kate Garraway’s story highlights the importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney

Kate Garraway’s heart-breaking story of her husband Derek’s year-long battle with Covid has been made even more complicated by the lack of legal protection she and Derek had in place. Kate was unable to access funds to manage her husband’s care or refinance her mortgage as they did not have a financial Lasting Powers of Attorney in place to cover this eventuality.

She didn’t even have the legal right to see his medical notes, owing to data protection.

Research by Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) , shows that 65% of us think our next-of-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place. Whilst there’s been a rise in the number of enquiries made about Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) during the pandemic, only 22% of people in the UK actually have one.

Russell Hallam a partner at IBB and a member of SFE says:

To avoid this difficult kind of legal situation it’s important to use a specialist lawyer who is experienced in this area of the law, and is trained to support people making these crucial, complex and difficult decisions. According to Which? 22,000 LPAs are rejected every year so it’s essential that you get your legal documents right.

Speak to our expert Wills, Trusts & Probate solicitors today

Whatever your circumstances, we can help you put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney that will ensure that your loved ones can manage your health and financial affairs if you become unable to.   If you are interested in putting a n LPA in place then please call us on 03456 381381 or email wills@ibblaw.co.uk to be directed to a member of our specialist team.