25/11/2021
Making future plans and adapting them to meet your changing circumstances can safeguard valuable tax allowances. Inheritance Tax is a complex subject, which is why taking expert advice can make sure you’re not paying more tax than you need to, and ensure your estate goes to the right people in your life.
If you were severely ill or injured, and unable to deal with your finances, who would you prefer to look after them for you? Your spouse or partner? Unless you have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, they are not legally allowed to make these decisions, and if you have joint accounts, these may be frozen along with other joint assets.
Mental capacity is the ability to make a timely decision or take a particular action for yourself. People who are unable do this are said to ‘lack capacity’. Dementia, a severe learning disability, a brain injury, a mental health illness, a stroke, and unconsciousness caused by an anaesthetic or sudden accident, can all be examples of this.
Financial decisions cover your financial and business matters including:
• Using a bank account and credit card
• Buying, selling, or renting a room, house or flat
• Applying for credit, insurance, or a mortgage
• Paying bills and household expenses
If you haven't yet considered making a Lasting power of Attorney, the Court of Protection will appoint someone for you. This may not be the person you would have chosen and not only that, but the process is also a long, costly one to apply for a Deputyship.
Please contact Barfield Estate Planning Ltd on 01604 609209 for a free, no obligation consultation.
Lasting Powers of Attorney are not part of the Quilter Financial Planning offering and are offered in our own right. Quilter Financial Planning accept no responsibility for this aspect of our business.