Nearly four in five UK adults still don't have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, despite the potentially life-changing consequences of not having one.
High-profile stories often remind us just how important it is to plan for the unexpected. One example featured in Netflix's documentary on Lamar Odom, which explores the former basketball star's near-fatal overdose in 2015.
Following the incident, Lamar was left unconscious and unable to make decisions about his own medical care. While members of his family were present, it was his estranged wife, Khloé Kardashian, who was legally recognised to make key decisions on his behalf because their divorce had not yet been finalised. Her legal authority meant she played a central role in decisions regarding his treatment during a critical period of his recovery.
While every situation is different, the story highlights an important message: if you lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself, someone else may need to step in. Choosing the right person to act under a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most significant decisions you can make. It should be someone you trust to understand your wishes, act in your best interests and make difficult decisions if the unexpected happens.
At Thomas Bradley Legal, we help clients put the right legal protections in place, providing guidance throughout the Lasting Power of Attorney process so you can have confidence that, should the time ever come, your affairs will be managed by someone you know and trust.