Long-term family association with lawyer helps client secure power of attorney
When nurse James Thorp needed lifetime power of attorney (LPA) to help his elderly parents – whose physical and mental health was deteriorating – he contacted their solicitor.
Now, he is backing a Law Society campaign to promote the work of solicitors.
As more and more people are diagnosed with dementia, and with an ageing population, many people have elderly relatives to care for.
The Alzheimer’s Society says there are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2021, and to 1.7 million by 2050, meaning many people could find themselves in a similar position to James.
By speaking to a solicitor James was able to secure LPA that gave him control of his parent’s finances, estate and care.
“There’s no substitute for the personal touch from someone who has the experience and knowledge to guide you. Using a local solicitor gave us that, as well as peace of mind and reassurance,” he said.
“Not only do you have a legal representative, but you have someone advocating for your family. If you’re in a similar position to me, speak to a solicitor, and talk through your requirements.”
Over the years his parents had built up a relationship with solicitor Monika Volsing, of Morrish Solicitors in Leeds, and it was to her that he turned when he needed help.
“I’d talked with my parents about getting LPA, and I recognised the early stages of memory loss in my mother and knew it was a one-way process,” he said.
“Fortunately we were able to arrange the LPA just in time. At that stage my parents understood what was happening and agreed to it.
Monika listened to my parents, explained what they needed to do, and what they needed to understand. The degree of compassion and confidence she showed made a complex process easy.
We were able to build on the carefully cultivated relationship that my parents had developed with Monika.”
Monika said: “Relinquishing responsibility for your life and passing it to your children is a difficult thing to do. I’ve had an ongoing relationship with Mr and Mrs Thorp and this was invaluable when it came to arranging LPA for their son.”
Praising the Law Society’s campaign, she added: “The Law Society assists solicitors with advice and guidance on the issues we experience every day. It is reassuring to know we are supported by an experienced and respected professional association, which also advocates ideas on law reform on our behalf.”
The Law Society’s Use a Professional campaign launched on September 1, and encourages members of the public to speak to a solicitor to resolve any disputes they have, while also raising the profile of the work solicitors do, and promoting the Find a Solicitor website.
To find out more about the Law Society and how a solicitor can help you, visit:
www.useaprofessional.co.uk
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