There are only days left before the ability to make an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) ends, to be replaced by a more complex and expensive arrangement.

An EPA arrangement is used to appoint someone to act on your behalf if you lose your mental capacity.

It has traditionally been used by elderly people who are worried they may not be able to handle all their affairs, in matters relating to property or money for example.

From 1 October 2007, the EPA is to be replaced and in future, people will need to take out a new arrangement called a Lasting Power of Attorney. It may sound like it's just a name change, but in fact, Lasting Powers of Attorney are slower to set up and more complex, with many forms to fill in. This will inevitably make them more expensive to arrange.

For those who have been meaning to sort out an EPA, our advice is to act now before the October deadline.

For further information please contact Peter Hopkins on 01491 572138.