Kate Garraway & The Importance Of Lasting Powers Of Attorney
The impact of the Covid 19 pandemic has been vast and felt across the entire world – whether it be the loss of so many loved ones due to the virus, or the loss of jobs and livelihoods, the past year has taken its toll on so many.
There has been significant interest in the story of broadcaster & journalist Kate Garraway’s and the heart-breaking story of her husband Derek’s year-long battle with Covid. Their battle has been made even more complicated by the lack of legal protection she and Derek had in place. Kate was unable to access funds to manage her husband’s care or refinance her mortgage. She was unable to even have the legal right to see his medical notes, owing to data protection.
Research by the Solicitors For The Elderly (SFE), shows that 65% of us think our next-of-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place. Whilst there’s been a rise in the number of enquiries made about Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) during the pandemic, only 22% of people in the UK actually have one.
To avoid this difficult kind of legal situation it’s important to use a specialist lawyer who is experienced in this area of the law, and is trained to support people making these crucial, complex and difficult decisions. According to Which? 22,000 LPAs are rejected every year so it’s essential that you get your legal documents right.
Gema West, head of the Wills, Trusts & Probate team here at Bennett Griffin and member of SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) and the rest of the team can assist you with the creation of any important, end-of-life documents that you do not have in place already. Contact Gema and the team on 01903 229999 or by email via info@bennett-griffin.co.uk to discuss your needs.