Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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It allows you to choose executors you can trust.
You should:
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Give yourself time to think.
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Use a professional, preferably one experienced specifically with will preparation.
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Make sure you can update it without large additional charges.
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Make sure there's an opt out from executor or probate services if you don't need
them - by the time the will is needed, which could be many years away, it may be
that someone in the family, who was too young when you made it, who can deal
with it.
Power of attorney
Many people choose to make an informal arrangement with a family member to take care
of things at home while they're travelling, but if you were to need someone authorised to
pay bills at home or liaise with your travel insurance company, it might make sense to have
a proper, formal arrangement in place before you go to give them the authority to act on
your behalf.
You might be able to arrange with your bank to add them as a signatory to your account, in
case it should be necessary, as long as you feel comfortable that the person you choose will
make the right decisions about your money if you can't.
A more secure way is to appoint a power of attorney, but be warned it's a lengthy process,
which can take up to five months to process. Until the documents are properly registered,
whoever you appoint cannot act for you.
There's no fast track procedure on compassionate grounds and the Public Guardians' Office
website says: “If there are no problems with the LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) or ap-
plication, we are typically returning the registered LPA in around nine weeks from the date
of receipt. If there are any problems with the LPA or application, we are currently inform-
ing the applicant within two weeks of receiving the application.”
Getting it right when there are at least 30 pages of forms per person is no joke; and, if
you're a couple, each one of you has to fill out a set. So to avoid delays and mistakes (with
possible charging of repeat fees) it makes sense to get professional advice from a specialist.
The process is administered by the Office of the Public Guardian, which charges a fee of
£150. But compare that with having someone professional look after your property and per-
sonal welfare. It can cost as much as £1500 for a couple. To find out more about the new
legislation go to:
www.publicguardian.gov.uk
