Caring for the elderly and vulnerable during Covid-19

We have years of experience supporting the elderly and vulnerable with their legal matters. It is important to continue providing this service for them whilst Covid-19 is ongoing. We have measures in place to reduce risk to any clients who interact with our staff or visit our office (if it is essential). Our principal solicitor who is local to the area is able to continue coming into the office armed with gloves, mask and cleaning post visits by clients to ensure a low risk environment.

We can assist with the following:

• Wills – It is important for you to make a will (regardless of the current situation) to ensure that your wishes in regards to any property you have is distributed and managed correctly. You can and should also state who you would like to have guardianship over any children who are under 18 years of age. We are happy to advise and draft a will for you taking into account your needs and requirements.
• Power of Attorney – This is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people (attorneys) to assist you in making decision or make decision on your behalf. In particular, it allows you to have control over what happens to you if you are no longer able to make your own decisions due to illness and or incapacity. There are two types of LPA namely, health and welfare and property and financial affairs. You can make one or both applications. You can either make a general (valid for 12 months) or a lasting power of attorney which has no end date unless you or the attorney(s) withdraw. The Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian and they will issue a stamped copy in eight to twelve weeks.

For health and welfare lasting power of attorney, your elected attorney(s) can make the following decisions (but only when you are not able to make your own decisions):
o Your daily routine
o Medical care
o Moving into a care home
o Life-sustaining treatment

For property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney, your elected attorney(s) can make the following decisions in regards to your money and property (this can be used as soon as it is registered with your permission):
o Managing a bank or building society account
o Paying bills
o Collecting benefits or a pension
o Selling your home

For those self-isolating, we can suggest measures where wills and lasting power of attorneys can still be signed by witnesses. If a client is in a high-risk category, we can ensure that matters are dealt with remotely.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients are cared for during this uncertain time. We are able to assist with urgent cases and here to help. Please contact our office, where we can book you in for a free 30 minute initial phone consultation to advise you on your next steps and how the process works.

Please see link below to local resources:

https://walthamforest.gov.uk/content/coronavirus-latest-information