Powers of Attorney and Change of Name Deeds
Power of Attorney
You may need to authorise someone else to look after your affairs on your behalf.
For example, you might expect to:-
- be working or on holiday abroad for any length of time, or
- become incapable through physical or mental disease
If this is the case, we can prepare a Power of Attorney for you. This is a written authority giving a person(s) designated by you the power to sign documents on your behalf. This power can be either:-
- Limited, restricted to one single transaction such as selling your house or to one type of transaction such as use of your bank account; or
- General, dealing with ALL your money and property.
The standard Power of Attorney will last for one year only, unless revoked earlier, but is also automatically revoked if you become mentally incapable. This type of power of attorney can often be prepared while you wait and you may not need an appointment.
A Lasting Power of Attorney can be made which lasts until revoked or until your death even if you become mentally incapable. There is an obligation to register your Lasting Power of Attorney with the Court of Protection before it can take effect.
Charges
Standard Power of Attorney: £65.00 including VAT
Lasting Power of Attorney: charged at £200.00 per hour (inc. VAT) plus disbursements
Change of Name Deeds
Although no formal document is required to legally change your name, we usually recommend that a Change of Name Deed is drawn up as often proof is required by such bodies as The Passport Office.
The charge is £50.00 including VAT, but Legal Help may be available. A Change of Name Deed can also be prepared while you wait and you may not need an appointment. We can also take your details by email and send the completed document to you by post or as an email attachment (as a WORD document). There is no extra charge for this service.
You can also change the surnames of your children if they are under 18 years old but if you are divorced (or if you were not married and the other parent has been granted Parental Responsibility by an Order or Agreement) you will need the consent of the other parent or a Court Order (which is unlikely to be granted unless certain special circumstances apply).
