As the population gets older, more and more people find they need to give control of financial and legal matters to others close to them. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows this to be done. You could, for example, use one to allow someone to sign cheques and letters for you if you were going abroad for a while. Or if you became seriously ill, your business and personal interests could be looked after.

If you want a relative or friend to be able to legally deal with your affairs, this Kit contains all the forms you need, both on paper and on a free CD-Rom. It can help you create the following:

»  Lasting Power of Attorney (England & Wales).

This document comes in two versions. One form that gives someone the power to make decisions about your property and affairs, and the other form about your personal welfare. The Lasting Power of Attorney Personal Welfare only takes effect when you become mentally incapable.

»  Continuing/Welfare Power of Attorney (Scotland).

These two versions also deal with financial affairs and personal welfare. The Welfare Power of Attorney only takes effect when you become mentally incapable. 

»  General Power of Attorney (England & Wales and Scotland).

This is a straightforward authorisation for specific periods or events (e.g. if you go abroad and need to entrust the management of your business interests to your spouse). Unlike the Lasting Power of Attorney, it ceases to take effect if you become mentally incapable.

»  Advance Medical Decision (England & Wales)/Living Will (Scotland).

This form sets out your personal wishes about medical treatments should you become ill in the future.

Requirements:

• »  Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or Vista
• »  Adobe Acrobat Reader

Approved by Richard Dew of Ten Old Square, Lincoln's Inn.

This eKit is valid in England & Wales and Scotland.