You can give someone you trust the authority to deal with certain aspects of your affairs in case you become unable to manage your affairs yourself.

You can choose exactly what powers you want to grant, whether relating to your financial and property matters, or your personal welfare.

• These are formal legal documents
• In them you appoint someone to act for you if you lose capacity
• You can only complete one if you have legal capacity
• The person you appoint is your “Attorney”
• You can appoint more than one Attorney
• The Attorney’s legal powers are set out in the document
• Powers are categorised as “legal and financial” or “welfare”
• There can be different Attorneys for different categories of powers
• People usually appoint their partners and adult children as Attorneys
• All Powers of Attorney must be registered with the Public Guardian
• Attorneys can only act for the benefit of the person appointing them
• Attorneys are subject to a legal control framework
• Their powers can be removed if used improperly
• All adults should complete Powers of Attorney
• Court actions can be avoided if Powers of Attorney are in place
• You can cancel or revoke your Power of Attorney
• Many pensioners can get legal aid for Powers of Attorney
• You cannot appoint a bankrupt as your Power of Attorney

Many people qualify for help with the costs involved in making a will, completing an advance directive or granting a power of attorney. Further information about this is available from the Scottish Legal Aid Board website or by calling them on 0131 226 7061.

More information about Power of Attorney is available from My Power of Attorney.