Coronavirus highlights need for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

Sadly in the last few weeks the Private Client team here at Barker Gotelee have come into contact with a variety of new and existing clients suffering with the consequences of a positive Covid-19 test.  Others are struggling with the difficulties of trying to manage their financial affairs whilst in isolation.

The Coronavirus lockdown highlights the need for everyone to ensure their affairs are in order – that up to date Wills and LPAs are in place in case they are needed and this is still possible despite the lockdown restrictions.

We have existing attorneyship clients, the support we provide to whom has had to be adapted as a result of lockdown but we are in constant telephone contact with all of them and ensuring they have the supplies and monies they need to ensure they stay safe and well at this time.

We have existing clients who have had need to call on LPAs they put in place previously and this has provided peace of mind at a time when their health is less certain.  We have been able to lodge the LPAs with clients’ banks to ensure that ongoing bills continue to be serviced and all their key contacts are aware of their current ill health.  We have been able to liaise with hospital personnel and put post-hospital care packages in place in cases where it is not going to be possible for a client to return straight home.

We are also supporting new and existing clients to put LPAs in place to ensure that they have such provision in place in case it is required in the future.  Although LPAs generally take 10 – 12 weeks to register with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), we are also able to offer an alternative short-term document to cover the period of registration where required.

We are working hard to ensure that we are continuing to offer the same excellent service to our clients that we have always prided ourselves on.  Whilst the majority of our solicitors are working remotely at the present time, this is not preventing us offering all of our usual services.

Lindsey Sharples is a solicitor in the private client team at Barker Gotelee, Solicitors in Ipswich.

Trust Solicitors Suffolk – click here for more information on our range of services.