Archibald Campbell & Harley : Services : Powers of Attorney & Guardianships

Powers of Attorney & Guardianships

The law governing inheritance and Trusts is a hugely complicated area requiring specialist advice. Our private client team is well versed in the intricacies of this area of law and will ensure that your interests are looked after at every stage, be it planning for marriage/co-habitation, investing for children, minimising your tax burden or planning for your retirement. We provide a personal and sensitive service with advice that is tailored to your situation.

Please be aware that Scottish law is different from English law and we can only advise you if you live in Scotland or have property or other assets in Scotland.

Wealth Management Brochure

Powers of Attorney

We recommend to all clients that they should put in place a Power of Attorney to safeguard against the situation where they can no longer make decisions about their finances or their welfare for themselves. However, Powers of Attorney can only be granted when the granter has full capacity to understand the nature of the powers that he is granting in favour of his Attorney. A Power of Attorney ensures that if you are unable to look after your affairs personally your Attorney can step in and look after your finances. We are also experienced in administering the affairs of clients under a Power of Attorney, including the maintenance of accurate records and preparing accurate accounts to show his income and expenditure.

Powers of Attorney Brochure

Guardianships

If somebody loses the capacity to make decisions for himself and does not have the capacity to grant a Power of Attorney, there is then the option of having somebody appointed as the individual's Financial (and possibly Welfare) Guardian. The Guardianship process is complex and involves obtaining various medical and other reports, a Court Hearing as to the suitability of the appointment of the Guardian and the on-going management of the person's assets by the Guardian after he has been appointed. We have experience in dealing with each stage of the Guardianship process and the time limits and administrative deadlines imposed by both the Court and the Office of the Public Guardian.

Guardianships Brochure