Sorting out our POA has given us huge peace of mind

Retired John Bryson Bone Andrews and his wife Helen are in their late 70s. They recently used ILAWS Scotland to grant each other Power of Attorney. They have also put it in place for their two sons, in case (in John’s words) “both of us were away with the fairies”.

John rang ILAWS after seeing an advert in a newspaper. He thought it was about time he had something in place for himself and for Helen, who is in poor health.

Both are now well into retirement; John used to be a shipyard engineer and Helen worked for many years in the M&S catering department.

John said: “A guy came to the house and explained everything. Usually when the paperwork goes to the courts, the process can take about six months. But because of my wife’s disability and the medications, ILAWS was able to sort out Power of Attorney much faster for us. We’ve already had it in place now for a couple of months.”

John said the paperwork fully explains everything and he has had a copy attached to both their files at the doctor’s surgery. Now, if either himself or Helen were to become incapacitated, they could make decisions on the other’s behalf, or, if they both were, their “sons could have a word”.

In Scotland, there are two types of Power of Attorney. “Continuing” is for all the financial matters you deal with for yourself usually, excluding your Will. “Welfare” is everything to do with your health and welfare.

There are many life-saving medical procedures and medications that can only be given with the patient’s consent. If the patient is unable to give it, permission can only be granted by someone who has Power of Attorney.

John said sorting out Power of Attorney for himself and Helen has given him “huge peace of mind”, but says he has his fingers crossed they’ll never need it.