PROMOTION SAFEGUARDING IS VITAI when appointing others to act Have you considered who would manage your affairs and make decisions if you have an illness or accident that leaves you incapable of looking after things yourself? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables you to appoint someone you trust to look after your financial affairs or your health and welfare, with minimum effort, delay and expense. The process of applying has become much simpler since an online system was introduced a fewyearsago which hasencouraged many more people to prepare an LPA, with digital applications soaring from 14,000 in the year to March 2014 to 164,000 in the year to March 2017, Paper applications have risen also, and a total of amost 560,000 registrations were made in the year to March 2017, compared with 200,000 in March 2012. But while easier to make, they are also easy to abuse, if safeguards are not put in place Unfortunately, that is demonstrated by reponts of a significant increase in the number of investigations into the actions of attorneys and deputies who have been appointed under an LPA. These have increased by more than 40% in the past year-1,729 investigations were carried out in 2017 18-up from 1,199 the prevous year, according to the Office of the Public Guardian, which is responsible for administering LPAs. in LPA is a valuable tool, but the right safeguards must be in place and everyone needs to understand what is involved, and the responsibilities it brings. Professional guidance can make the difference in ensuring adequate control on those acting as attoneys, to help avoid mistakes or in the worst case, abuse. An attorney has far reaching powers and problems are likely to arise if they do not appreciate the role they are undertaking or if there are insufficient checks and balances in the process Before appointing an attorney, think about how well they look after their own finances, how well you know them and how sure you are that they will make the right decisions for you. Even where an attorney acts with the best intentions to respond to the trust placed in them, if they are disorganised or indecisive, this can impact on their ability to make good decisons, justas much asif they are self-serving. For more information or advice please contact Susan Glenholme, Managing Partner Debenhams Ottaway T: 01727 735636 E: sg debenhamsottaway.co.uk W: debenhamsottaway.co.uk DEBENHAMS OTTAWAY SOLICITORS Your aspirations are our inspiration