Probate lawyers are reporting a huge spike in the numbers of clients requesting lasting powers of attorney for family members.
The documents give relatives power to administer a loved one’s estate if they become unwell.
Solicitors say the surge in demand has come about because of fears over the Court of Protection taking over the running of people’s affairs.
The court was the subject of shocking headlines claiming it had seized more than £3bn of assets from the elderly. Reports also said there had been 3,000 complaints about the new power of attorney system since it was brought in 18 months ago.
Merseyside lawyers say after a slow start in up-take for lasting powers of attorney (LPAs), clients are now clamouring to lodge them. Nationally, the rush had caused a backlog at the Office of the Public Guardian, the Government body that handles the paperwork.
