Advice on power of attorney and legal assistance given

A person has been advised to seek legal advice about gaining joint power of attorney over her mother's affairs with her sibling by a relationship expert.

One reader wrote to the Daily Mail saying that her mother has entered a residential home, her house is being sold to pay for the costs and her sister has been given power of attorney over their mother’s financial affairs.

The reader said that she met up with her mother and sister after feeling concerned that she was not being included in decisions and her mother agreed that the two daughters could both share power of attorney.

Despite this, their mother and sibling later said that they were unsure about the decision and the reader is worried that their sister is taking cash from their mother’s savings.

In response, Zelda West-Meads wrote: “It is much fairer if siblings have joint power of attorney. This is especially the case if your sister is taking decisions without consulting you.”

She also suggested that the reader meet up with a legal professional, their sister and mother together and draw up a document, informing the legal expert beforehand of the situation.

Furthermore, solicitor Chris Walton told the Daily Telegraph that those experiencing the early stages of dementia should make a lasting power of attorney to avoid their families having disputes and issues in the long term.

Published by Hannah Carr