What is Power of Attorney and when would I use it?

If you’re having problems managing your financial affairs either through mental incapacity or for some other reason, a Power of Attorney could be a sensible option. It is essential to get legal advice so you know what type of power of attorney is right for you.

Allowing someone control of your finances gives them permission to:

• Open an account on your behalf
• Use your account(s) in the same way that you had done previously
• Access your account(s) online and by telephone, should you wish

Depending on the type of access you’ve granted, your representative may not be able to do all of these things. For example, there may be restrictions on the power of attorney.

The most common types of Power or Attorneys are:

• General / Ordinary Power of Attorney
• Lasting Power of Attorney
• General Power of Attorney
• Enduring Power of Attorney (Continuing Power of Attorney in Scotland)

The powers under different powers of attorney vary and depend upon whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. You can find more information from independent sources of support like AgeUK. 

If I have a power of attorney, what do I do?

You can contact us in order to let us know that you are the Attorney. We’ll let you know what information we need, which will likely include a copy of the Power of Attorney and a form of identification for you.