Power of Attorney

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone you choose to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. You can also use a Power of Attorney to give someone legal permission to help you manage your finances right away.

Why make a Power of Attorney?

You make decisions every day about your life and your future: small decisions such as what to wear or eat, and bigger decisions about things like money, your health and your home. You make judgements about what is right for you.

Without a Power of Attorney, your friends and family do not have the legal right to act on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Decisions about your life would be made by professionals involved in your care. It may also take a long time for anyone to be able to access your finances. This means your bills may go unpaid, causing further problems.

Setting up a Power of Attorney

Our Guide to Power of Attorney in Scotland takes you through the whole process of setting up a Power of Attorney. It also discusses in more detail why having an attorney is important, what to consider when choosing an attorney and the types of powers you may want to grant them.