The documentary “Kate Garraway: Finding Derek” aired recently and highlighted the struggles TV presenter Kate has faced since her husband, Derek Draper, was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in March 2020. Kate has openly spoken about the financial issues she has faced being unable to access accounts in Derek’s name without a power of attorney.
Kate’s heart-breaking story of Derek’s year-long battle with Covid has been made even more complicated by the lack of legal protection she and Derek had in place. Kate was unable to access funds to manage her husband’s care or refinance her mortgage. She didn’t even have the legal right to see his medical notes, owing to data protection.
Research shows that 65% of us think our next-of-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place. Whilst there has been a rise in the number of enquiries made about Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) during the pandemic, only 22% of people in the UK actually have one. A power of attorney is important whatever our age as none of us know when we might be taken ill and need the help others.
To avoid this difficult kind of legal situation it is important to use a specialist lawyer who is experienced in this area of the law, and is trained to support people making these crucial, complex and difficult decisions. According to Which? 22,000 LPAs are rejected every year so it’s essential that you get your legal documents right.
Sonia Hems of Beers Solicitors is such a specialist lawyer and is trained and experienced in all aspects of this area of the law. If you have any questions Beers’ friendly and helpful team is always willing to help and are happy to hear from you. Simply contact us on 01548 857000 and 01752 246000, or look at our website www.beersllp.com.