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Power of Attorney worries,advice please

(34 Posts)
avitorl Sat 27-Jun-26 23:37:41

I know that I should have a named POA but I really don't have anyone suitable to ask.I have no family members and no friends who are in a younger age group than me.
I think my only choice would be to employ a solicitor to act on my behalf but I do find it upsetting that a stranger could end up being in control of my life.
Is this inevitable? Any suggestions gratefully received

HelterSkelter1 Mon 29-Jun-26 18:45:52

Farzanah. Is that correct that even joint accounts are frozen?
I have joint accounts with DH. On death they are not frozen. Are you saying in your MIL's case she had a joint account with your DS which he could not access?

SueEH Mon 29-Jun-26 19:59:22

I had POA for both of my late parents and couldn’t have managed their last years/end of life without it.
Dad wanted a particular solicitor to handle mum’s estate but I’ve done most of dad’s myself, just using my accountant to sort out the IHT etc.
I’ve done my own POA now and my children are attorneys but I think that if there weren’t around be very happy to have a trusted solicitor act for me.

LOUISA1523 Mon 29-Jun-26 21:07:52

MissAdventure

When i spoke to a solicitor, he said that everyone who has been granted power of attorney will probably need to consult a solicitor anyway.

What was the reason for that please?....I have POA for my mum....can't imagine I will need a solicitor

MissAdventure Mon 29-Jun-26 21:42:00

I can't remember!

To do with wills, i would think, as i was sorting out mine.

As you can tell, i have it all sorted now. smile

Farzanah Tue 30-Jun-26 09:25:09

HelterSkelter1

*Farzanah*. Is that correct that even joint accounts are frozen?
I have joint accounts with DH. On death they are not frozen. Are you saying in your MIL's case she had a joint account with your DS which he could not access?

To clarify HelterSkelter
In the case of one joint account holder DYING the other holder automatically takes control (regardless is POA which ceases anyway when a person dies).

If on the other hand one account holder loses mental capacity and there is no POA in place and the bank finds out, they freeze the account. They may allow some essential expenses only.

My DH a did not have a joint account with his mother.

This is why if you have a joint account with partner and no POA in place it is so crucial to do so.

Warmglovesandsocks Tue 30-Jun-26 09:27:30

Abitor1. Just to let you know I’m in exactly the same situation as yourself and I know others too in this situation. If you DO eventually find the answer DO private message me, as I’d like to know how you get on. I even told a senior member of a Church about this problem, and they just said “well you’d better hope you don’t get dementia then”!!!!!!!

Warmglovesandsocks Tue 30-Jun-26 09:29:27

PS. My Age UK are useless!!!!

Warmglovesandsocks Tue 30-Jun-26 09:36:36

WithknobsOnIt. The Solicitor is OK for the finance side of things but to my knowledge NOT the health side!