Protecting the elderly

These days, we are all living longer and the needs of the elderly are as great as they ever were. Here at Muckle LLP we have extensive experience of dealing carefully, compassionately and sympathetically with the needs of all our elderly clients.

We’re used to helping with the worries about balancing sufficient savings to live on with the desire to give money to relatives and to minimise taxation on death.

Wills and the Property and Affairs Lasting Powers of Attorney 

Wills serve many purposes. Primarily, they let you make sure that your estate passes as you wish. Equally importantly, a carefully drafted will can look after your funeral arrangements and many of the other practical issues that can cause you worry and concern.

The Property and Affairs lasting powers of attorney ensure that a chosen relative or friend can look after your financial affairs if you become incapable of doing so. They are not too complex to put in place and it makes sense to do so, considering the immense peace of mind this will give you.

Court of protection and court appointed deputies

If you become incapable of managing your own affairs and have not put in place a lasting power of attorney, or one of the old enduring powers of attorney, then your relatives will need to apply to the court of protection for the appointment of a deputy who can then handle aspects of your finances on your behalf.

We have considerable experience in such applications, although would always recommend that a lasting power of attorney, properly drafted, and put in place whilst you are in good health is much the better approach.

Tax, tax, tax 

Having worked all your life, you may well feel that you have already made a large enough contribution to the Treasury.

If, during your lifetime, we can save you tax, and you would like advice on this or in conjunction with your will, we would be happy to help.

Living wills and the Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

Living wills do not have the prominence that they deserve. We all have the right either to accept or refuse medical treatment. If you want to make it clear what treatment you would like to have if you become seriously ill or, perhaps more importantly, what treatment you would prefer not to have, then you can make a living will which clearly sets out your wishes.

Living wills can save your family and friends worry and stress and help you to have a say in your future medical treatment.

If you would like help in this sensitive area then we will happily guide you through it sympathetically and compassionately.

A personal welfare lasting power of attorney allows you to appoint an attorney to make decisions about your personal welfare.  This lasting power of attorney can only be used when you lack capacity to make decisions for yourself.

For further help or advice please contact Hugh Welch, call 0191 211 7903 or email us at advice@muckle-llp.com.

Related Resources

in the Legal Information Centre

• How far in advance should I start planning to pass the business on?
• I'm married and just want to leave everything to my spouse. We have no children. Surely I don't need to make a will to do that?
• What are the main areas I need to plan?
• I'm married with children - what happens to my estate if I don't make a will?