85% Of People Leave Life-Changing Decisions In The Hands Of Strangers
- An alarming new report conducted by Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE) reveals people in South East leaving major decisions about housing, assets and care to chance
- 86% of people want loved ones to make decisions in the event of illness or accident – but only 12% have created a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to enable this
- Stephanie Rose from Clifton Ingram Solicitors urges people to safeguard their wishes in the event of accidents or illness
85% of people in the South East are currently living with no control over important later-life decisions around their housing, assets, heath, and care, according to a new report by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), the national organisation representing legal professionals such as Stephanie Rose from Clifton Ingram Solicitors.
Stephanie Rose, a Partner in Clifton Ingram's Tax Planning, Wills & Probate Department and Board Director of SFE, said “No one likes to think about a time when they may not be able to make a financial or health decision for themselves as a result of illness or an accident. Unfortunately many people incorrectly believe that their spouse of next of kin would automatically be able to step in and make important decisions on their behalf which is very unlikely to be the case. ”
86% want a family member or friend to make important decisions on their behalf, in the event of illness or an accident. However, few are aware that without an LPA in place, any individuals’ affairs, such as their end-of-life wishes and health treatments, can be left in the hands of social workers, medical doctors, or the British courts.
Even the minority of people that have taken steps to plan ahead for later life may still be at risk, due to poor quality legal advice and invalid documents. 52% of the people with LPAs in place did not use experts or legal guidance, instead taking a gamble using online resources, non-legal advisers, or off-the-shelf kits.
Stephanie Rose continued, “An LPA is one of the most important legal documents an individual can have. If you have children, own a home, or have views on your preferred health treatment, we urge you to go to a solicitor to get the right advice.”
SFE is an independent, national organisation of professionals, such as solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives, committed to providing the highest quality of legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.
For more details contact Stephanie Rose