What I am about to say here refers to English Law only.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble if you arrange Lasting Power of attorney BEFORE you or your partner becomes incapable of managing his or her own affairs. My partner went from OK to incapable in a matter of days.
If you are not in a legal relationship it could be more difficult. The family of your partner could well get involved and might object to your request for control of your partner’s assets.
I am pleased to reveal that I now have the necessary documents from the Court of Protection having originally applied in March of last year. The number of documents that have to be printed and signed is astonishing in these days of online access to government departments.
UPDATE – My bank added access to the relevant bank account to my Online banking in less than 24 hours. Thank you, Santander. Their Online process is excellent as long as you have scans or photos of the documents required.
The court fee is £365 unless you can prove that the subject of the case has a low income and little savings. You cannot prove this unless you have printed bank statements etc. which. of course most of us don’t receive any more.
So I strongly recommend that when you are writing wills in each others favour, and this is vital if you are not married, get Lasting Powers of Attorney set up.
You can do this yourself so the minimum cost is that of the court fee is £82
Incidentally, for the benefit of anyone not familiar with British English usage of the word attorney, it doesn’t in itself imply that this person is paid for their work. We normally refer to legal professionals who deal with wills and other documentation as solicitors.
