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  3. Wills and probate solicitors in Bishop Auckland, Crook and Shildon
  4. Power of attorney
  5. Care after lost capacity

Care after lost capacity

Losing the ability to make decisions due to old age or illness can cause difficulties for relatives and loved ones if there is no Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. Smith Roddam Solicitors can help you plan ahead and safeguard your health, welfare and finances if the unfortunate was to happen.

No one likes to think of a time when they are old and unable to care for themselves, but the reality is that it does happen. As we continue to live longer, we are met with capacity-affecting diseases like Alzheimer's, Dementia, strokes and other age-associated conditions. Planning ahead means you have the ability to entrust decision-making authority over your overall health and finances should you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. While you may not have the ability to make decisions if you were to be incapacitated, you would have had a chance to discuss your wishes with your attorney well in advance.

An LPA can make decisions about how you should be cared for, what medical treatment you may receive where you live, what food you may eat and any other decisions relating to your wellbeing. An appointed attorney may also make decisions regarding your property and assets, including selling possessions on your behalf. More than one person can be appointed as an attorney, and you can make a decision as to whether they can make decisions individually or if this must be done jointly. Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place avoids you being cared for by someone you would not have chosen yourself. It also means your loved ones avoid the upset of applying to the courts so that they can take care of you.

Smith Roddam Solicitors can help you understand the legal position. Lasting powers of attorney and living wills are explained. We also explain anything else we think you need consider using our experience - and in fully understanding your circumstances. We always use plain and simple English. And if things change, we can talk through any amendments. Our aim is to provide you with dignity at a time when you deserve it the most.

Talk to one of our experienced lawyers today and let’s plan ahead for your future. You can contact our team on 01388 881 167.

Team members

Lori-Beth Parsley
Solicitor
Bishop Auckland
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Wills and probate

Life is full of twists and turns and none of us can be sure what the future holds. That’s why creating a will makes good sense. As more and more people realise the importance of making a will, it’s no longer seen as something just for the elderly or ill but simply part of sound financial planning for any family or individual.

Power of attorney

In an uncertain world it’s reassuring to know that our wishes will be respected even if we’re not in a position to make our own decisions. That’s why many people choose to create a lasting power of attorney (LPA) to provide protection should an accident or ill health prevent them from making decisions in the future.

Advanced decisions for medical treatment | Wills & Probate

Making an Advance Decision about medical treatment and ongoing care avoids any misunderstanding about what your wishes are should you no longer be able to communicate them. Smith Roddam Solicitors can help you plan ahead.

Care after lost capacity

Making a Will usually legally requires a person to have the mental capacity to understand what decisions they are making or what they are agreeing to. There are some instances, however, when this is not possible. Smith Roddam Solicitors can help you make a Will for a family member or loved one who lacks mental capacity.

Community care issues

When adults have special care needs, the local authority is often responsible for providing community care services to help support the individual in their daily life. Community care services can include services provided in your own home, or at another location within the community.

Estate administration

Upon the death of a relative, administering their estate is an important step to undertake. In some circumstances, this is more difficult because there is no will or it is somehow invalid. Smith Roddam Solicitors can guide you through what the right steps are.

Inheritance and tax planning

Planning ahead for when you die allows you to set out clearly who should get what from your estate. Smith Roddam Solicitors can help you think through your plans and their financial impact. Our aim is to ensure that your loved ones are cared for when you no longer can.

Making a will

For many of us, making a will is something we know we should do but never quite get round to. Of course, it’s important not to put it off and the good news is that at Smith Roddam Solicitors, making a will could be much quicker and easier than you think.

Will and inheritance disputes

The terms of a Will can cause distress. If there isn’t one, this is difficult too. Smith Roddam Solicitors can advise on any matter where a will or inheritance is in dispute.

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