Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors

Industry recognised experts and Lexcel Accredited Firm
Power of Attorney specialists
Professional, efficient and dedicated service
Friendly, approachable and empathetic team

As leading Power of Attorney solicitors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, we are well located to assist with Power of Attorney matters in the immediate area and in nearby towns such as Bromley, Tonbridge, Orpington, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Why do you need a Power of Attorney?

According to the Alzheimer’s Society by 2025, 1 million people in the UK will have dementia and currently 1 in 5 people over the age of 85 are affected. It’s never been more important to plan for the future to ensure your affairs are managed as you’d like them to be, should the time come where you lack the capacity to make those decisions yourself. It’s not just the elderly who need to plan ahead, incapacity can strike the younger generations through injury or illness too.

Many people assume that if something happened to them through accident or illness that their next of kin will automatically be able to look after them. This is not the case: Your spouse/partner will not be able to access and manage your finances, or your personal property and your family will not be able to look after your health and welfare without making an application to the Court of Protection – which can be stressful and time consuming.

What is a Power of Attorney and how does it work?

If you want to make provision to give someone else the right to make specific decisions on your behalf, you can use a legal device known as a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This replaced the Enduring Power of Attorney in 2007. There are two types, the appointed person can manage:

your property and finances
and/or your health and welfare

These powers are transferred to the attorney in the future should you reach a point where you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. Though one difference to note is you can also elect someone to look after your property and finance whilst you still have capacity, whereas a health and welfare LPA can only come into effect once you have lost capacity. The person you choose to administer a property and financial affairs LPA is empowered to make decisions on things such as managing your bank accounts (dealing with bills etc), claiming benefits/pensions, buying/selling your property, investing your savings etc.

The person empowered by a personal welfare LPA, is able to make decisions on matters such as where you live, medical treatment, who you have contact with etc. You can elect a different person to be Power of Attorney for property and finance than you choose for health and welfare.

How we can help

JE Bennett Law, are vulnerable client specialists, and we regularly deal with difficult circumstances regarding clients and their families – witnessing the stress this can cause to all involved. We strongly recommend people take out a Lasting Power of Attorney for the peace of mind it provides to all involved and to protect against these potential future difficulties.

You do not need to take legal advice to give Power of Attorney, forms and guidance are available from the Office of the Public Guardian. However, if you want advice on the process and to ensure that your intentions are laid out in a legally binding manner, we are very experienced in the process and are here to help – and if necessary, act as certificate providers (it’s a requirement that someone certifies that you have entered into the LPA voluntarily and that you understand what you are entering into).

As a matter of course, we will offer to review your Will and offer advice on other matters we feel might be relevant to your situation – for example trusts for grandchildren as a tax-efficient vehicle to plan for the longer term.
In the first instance, why not give us a call to arrange a free and confidential phone consultation to help you decide on the best way forward for your circumstances.

For more information on Powers of Attorney download our info sheet

Why take professional advice? Watch this video from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers

What Our Client’s Say

Sebastian Dunn

I would like to thank Jane Bennett for the expert help I received from her in a delicate matter surrounding Lasting Power of Attorney and the loss of capacity of a family member. Jane was able to draw on a wealth of specialist knowledge and experience both to guide me and, when needed, to act decisively. At each stage of the process, I have felt listened to, supported and treated with the upmost professionalism and warmth, not only by Jane but by all those I encountered at Jane Bennett Law.

Paul Herbert, Private Client

"Thank you for all the work you have done for me over the years"

David White, Private Client

"Sought the assistance of J E Bennett Law when seeking a Deputy Application, followed by a Second Trustee Application. The, advice service and support I received throughout was exceptionally impressive, leaving me reassured and confident that all was being done to expedite the applications and bring the matters to a timely and successful conclusion. No question or concern was too small for my solicitor Lorna who was always considerate and genuinely supportive. I would highly recommend J E Bennett Solicitors, especially Lorna. I will be looking to use their services again in the future."

The Legal 500 Editorial Testimonials 2021

'Highly professional service at a fair price. An experienced and user-friendly team'

Legal 500 Editorial Testimonial 2021 – The JE Bennett Law Team

'A very strong team ethic as the practice has developed over the last few years. Jane Bennett is a leading industry figure, with a strong business acumen built upon excellent client care. Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby is a rising star of the team'

Legal 500 Editorial Testimonial 2021 – Jane Bennett

'Jane Bennett is always prompt and deals with instructions efficiently. She is helpful and approachable. I value her professionalism and turnaround times in cases where things can be a bit last minute. Jane always delivers for us.'

Legal 500 Editorial Testimonial 2021 – Richard Shearing

'Richard is very practically involved with his clients. He is highly respected by clients and professionals alike. Richard is very approachable and is obviously highly skilled and knowledgeable'

Legal 500 Editorial Testimonial 2021 – Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby

'Lorna is infectiously passionate about promoting independence and is happy to think outside the box in ensuring her clients have access to the necessary support and rehabilitation services. Her approach is one of someone highly skilled in her field. Lorna remains professional at all times and nothing seems too much'

Harry Trusted, Barrister

Jemma (Cahan) is a first-class solicitor who can be relied upon to do her very best for those she represents.