Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document in terms of which you authorise someone else, of your choice (“your Attorney”), to make decisions and act on your behalf. It acts a bit like an insurance policy to ensure that your affairs can be looked after by someone you trust if you are unable to do so personally. It is used to appoint someone to manage your finances and property or your general welfare, or often both, in the event that in the future you become incapable of doing so personally.

If incapacity does strike and you have not granted a Power of Attorney your family may face a distressing, time consuming and expensive process which would likely involve going to court to obtain the necessary powers to act for you. The process will likely take several months to complete during which time no one has power to administer your affairs e.g. get money from a bank account in your name. Many people think spouses or civil partners automatically have powers to act for each other if one loses capacity. ….this is not the case.

A more limited type of Power of Attorney might also be prepared if you were anticipating being out of the country for a while and important papers needed signed in your absence, perhaps in connection with a house sale.

We can help you make a Power of Attorney to cover your future needs and can provide advice to prospective or already appointed attorneys regarding their duties and powers.

Our Private Client team have years of experience in advising clients on granting Powers of Attorney and will guide you smoothly through the process.

A Power of Attorney will give you and your family peace of mind for the future.

“I completed a house purchase this week ,and I would just like to comment on the service I received …

From the moment I met Michaella , she put me completely at ease and dealt so efficiently with any questions that arose ,totally looking out for my best interest …..and keeping me up to date at all times .

I can’t thank her enough ……

I would also like to mention Margo who recently dealt with my late aunt’s estate ….she was a tremendous help to me also”

Ms B

“I wanted to drop you an email to give you some positive feedback about Michaella.

We were recommended your firm by a relative, and Michaella guided us through what was a slightly complicated and protracted house purchase – ensuring we were kept informed and up to speed with developments. Her replies and letters were always timely and concise, and allowed us to understand the ‘legalese’!

Hopefully we will not be buying another house in the near future, but we would have no hesitation in using your services again”

Mr. S

“I just wanted to extend my thank you to Michaella, she has been fantastic assisting with my separation. She’s been understanding and supporting the whole way making sure I was always updated and checked in regularly” Miss M

“To all at Jameson + Mackay who helped us as a family with all that was involved with our father’s estate including the sale of his house we want to say many thanks for your help, professionalism and compassion. It was much appreciated and will be remembered. ” The W family, Oct 2021

Alison, I am writing to thank you and your team for completing all matters in connection with my late father’s estate. I am so pleased that my parents had the foresight to introduce us so many years ago. Please pass on my particular thanks to Pauline for the excellent way in which she handled matters. She has always been cheerful and very professional in all dealings I’ve had with her. She has always been easy to talk to and has helped make the process as easy as possible for myself which is much appreciated. Thank you once again for the excellent way that you have dealt with my late father’s estate. ” Mr K , July 2021

“Communication was very clear and responsive at all times and we signed our documents via a video conference call. Being able to proceed with key legal matters was very reassuring. All round a very positive experience in difficult times.”

Mr and Mrs J

“We are very happy with the service that has been provided by everyone at your company and we will be definitely using your services in the future as well as making recommendations to anyone we know.”

Mr M

I should have sent an email earlier to thank you for all your work to make sure the settlement went through for the house (at both ends!) – we never met you in person but we both thought you were super efficient and we’re very grateful for your painstaking work on making sure that everything went through – as well as answering our emails quickly and reassuring us that all was well. It really is a great service that you provide.

Mrs S